Feels like 46!? Heat wave on its way to Montreal

CTV News

4 hours ago

A boy and girl dunk their heads in a water fountain during a heat wave in Montreal, Monday, July 2, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)
Summer in Montreal is officially kicking off with warmer-than-seasonal temperatures.
A hot and humid airmass is making its way to southern Quebec next week, and will most likely send the mercury soaring.
It all begins on Monday, where daytime highs could hover around 32 degrees Celsius, with a mix of sun and cloud in the forecast.
The humidity may make it feel like 46 degrees.
Overnight, Montreal should hold onto some of the warmth from the day, with a low of 25 degrees Celsius, close to the daytime high.
Tuesday could bring even more sunshine and another hot day, with a high of 33 degrees Celsius, feeling like 44 degrees.
Into the evening, Montrealers can expect a low-pressure system to bring some showers and relief from the heat, with a low of 19 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday could see a mix of sun and cloud, with temperatures dipping ever so slightly to a daytime high of 27 degrees Celsius – still above normal.
Temperatures should dip to 15 degrees Celsius overnight with a 60 per cent chance of showers.
An umbrella may come in handy on Thursday as there is a 60 per cent chance of showers and a normal high of 24 degrees Celsius.
Heat safety
High body temperatures can cause grave injury or lead to death.
The Quebec Health Ministry is asking people to take precautions during the heat wave:
Drink six to eight glasses of water a day before feeling thirsty; Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine;
Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
Take at least one cool shower or bath or cool your skin with wet towels;
Limit physical activity;
Wear light clothes.
Signs of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
'Reduce your heat risk,' Environment and Climate Change Canada notes. 'Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.'
Anyone with health-related questions is encouraged to call Info-Santé at 811.
In case of emergency, call 911.
Child safety
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle.
Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back, before locking the door and walking away.
Make sure your childcare provider knows to call you if your child has not been dropped off at their usual time.
Always place an item (such as a purse) in the backseat so you have to open the door each time you leave the vehicle.
Keep a large stuffed animal in your child's car seat when it is not occupied. When your child is in the car, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat.
When you arrive at your destination, avoid any distractions, including talking on the phone or texting.
If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police.
If they are in distress due to the heat, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately.
Pool safety
In Quebec, one child a day arrives in an emergency room for drowning or near-drowning during the summer, according to the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH).
In the last 30 years, the MCH trauma centre says it has seen more than 400 drownings and near-drownings.
Data show that 73 per cent of the incidents occurred in residential pools, park pools, aquatic centres and water parks.
Some ways to prevent drowning hazards: