Brace yourselves, Montreal. A heat wave is coming, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius and more.
Starting Tuesday, humidex values will exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, continuing through Wednesday and Thursday. According to The Weather Network, heat and humidity will ease on Friday.
During high heat events, your health and that of your family and friends can deteriorate quickly. Here’s how to protect yourself, as reported by The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada:
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water before feeling thirsty.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine.
- Spend at least 2 hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place.
- Take at least one cool shower or bath per day, or cool your skin a few times per day with wet towels.
- Limit physical activity.
- Wear light clothing.
The organization also emphasizes to never leave a child or baby alone in a vehicle or a poorly ventilated room, even for just a few minutes. Check on and be ready to help your loved ones as well.
Additionally, heat affects not only humans, but also pets.
If you have any questions or experience symptoms such as exhaustion, dehydration, headache, dizziness, or confusion, call Info-Santé at 811. If you experience these symptoms along with fever, it could be heat stroke, and you should call 911 immediately.
For more information, visit the Portail santé mieux-être of the Government of Québec.