Montreal heat wave not breaking records, but breaking the mould

MONTREAL – If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen – and into the pool.

Many pools and splash pads across the island have extended their hours to accommodate those looking for a little relief from the sweltering temperatures.

It’s Day 4 of the Montreal heat wave.

While it isn’t breaking any records, it is breaking the mould in terms of what Montrealers are used to, according to René Héroux from Environment Canada.

“Maybe what’s unusual is to have a real heat wave in mid-August,” he told Global News.

“In July, it’s pretty normal but we had to wait until now to get a real heat wave.”

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Another unusual aspect to these high temperatures is that it’s not only hot during the day, but also at night.

READ MORE: Doctors urge Montrealers to take caution during heat wave

Montreal’s record high overnight is 24 degrees.

This week, it was already 22 degrees in the early hours of the morning.

With round-the-clock heat and humidity, Environment Canada is telling the public to take extra precautions.

READ MORE: Montreal pools extend opening hours to combat heat wave

“When we do issue a heat warning it means there’s an impact to be expected,” said Héroux.

“When the humidex is 40 and there’s a heat warning, people working outside should be careful. Taking more breaks, looking for shade, drinking water. For the elderly, go inside – and the same for young babies.”

With temperatures expected to dip Thursday, experts believe Montrealers only have one more day of extreme heat left.