St-Lazare family speaks out after their two-year-old nearly drowned in their backyard pool.

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 28-31°C and stay high until Tuesday.

Police said the dog was showing signs of distress.

"We would really prefer that the pets stay at home where its cooler."

People are cooling down at beaches, splash pads and indoors as heat warnings are issued, but health experts are warning against gathering indoors, whether it be in a home or cooling or shopping centre.

The ridge of high pressure is anticipated to roll in by Sunday, when daytime highs could hit the low 30s. 

Maximum temperatures could range between 28 C and 32 C but with the humidex it could feel more like 39. 

Forecasters with the national weather service are calling for highs of 30 to 32 C from Friday to Monday, not including the humidex.

Many provinces across Canada do not require long-term care facilities to have air conditioning, even during a heat wave.

"That's all it is — just surviving, not living."