Quebec health officials say there are now at least 54 reported deaths that have been linked to a heat wave that blanketed the province over the last few days.
Twenty-eight of those deaths are in Montreal.
READ MORE: Montreal heat wave prompts more calls to Urgences-Santé
Public health director Horacio Arruda pointed out most of those who died were members of vulnerable communities, such as people who lived alone or lived with chronic or mental illness.
They were mostly men aged between 53 and 85; none of them had air conditioning in their homes.
WATCH: Quebec health officials say everything is being done to prevent more heat-related deaths.
READ MORE: Looking for a place to keep cool during the heat wave?
“If you’re alone at home, don’t stay alone,” insisted Social Services Minister Lucie Charlebois.
“We’re doing the best we can. We would like to have no deaths at all, but every day people die.”
Montrealers should have some relief Friday and Saturday, with expected highs of 24C and 28C respectively, before the temperature rises again slightly on Sunday.
“It will be hot, but it won’t be excessively humid,” explained Serge Mainville, with Environment Canada, noting heat warnings have been lifted for the next few days.
Urgences-Santé has seen an increased number of calls since the heat wave began.
“We’ve had about 1,000 calls every day,” said Stefan Overhoff, operations chief.
“On average, we’re at about 1,200 to 1,350 calls since the start of the heat wave.”
READ MORE: Heat-related deaths seem concentrated in Quebec, but there’s more to the story
Tuesday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante called on Montrealers to take care of each other.
“Our main priority is to ensure the safety of all Montrealers,” she said.
“If you feel there’s an old neighbour on the side and you’re wondering if they’re safe, please go knock on the door and find out if the person is OK and needs any help.”
While the stifling weather also blanketed Ontario and parts of Atlantic Canada, no deaths have been reported elsewhere, in part because various jurisdictions have different ways of gathering data on heat-related fatalities.
Signs of heat stroke and what to do
Early signs of heat stroke include fatigue, difficulty concentrating and dizziness.
READ MORE: By 2100, 75% of the world’s population will face deadly heatwaves
Here are a few ways to avoid getting ill:
- Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stay in the shade when possible
- Cut back on activities that require effort
- Wear a hat and sunscreen
- Wear lightweight clothing, preferably cotton, to allow sweat evaporation
- Elderly people should avoid going out, especially if they are on medication
If you think you are suffering from heat-related illness:
- Seek shelter or a cool place, rest and drink water
- If possible, use a fan to create air movement
- Use blinds or shades to filter direct sunlight
— With files from The Canadian Press
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