The heat experienced in southern Quebec this week is far from exceptional for the month of July, but will remain difficult to bear for several days due to the humidity.
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“It’s just summer heat,” says Jean-Philippe Bégin, meteorologist at Environment Canada.
Wednesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week, with a thermometer reaching 30°C in Montreal.
Then the highs could stay above 27°C for several more days.
“It’s hot, but it’s far from extreme. We are really far from the records, ”warns Mr. Bégin, who explains that the current period does not qualify as a “heat wave”, nor as an alarming heat wave in terms of public health.
To be considered a “heat wave”, there would have to be at least three days above 30°C in a row, according to the common definition.
Warning
Still, the humidity will indeed reach 40°C on Wednesday.
This is why a heat warning was sent to remind you of the importance of cooling down, drinking before feeling thirsty and limiting your physical activities, specifies the meteorologist.
The temperatures are cooler than during the heat wave last May, when the thermometer crossed 30°C for several days in a row, but the humidity means that the feeling of heat is greater, even at night.
“It gives us no respite. It is to be taken into consideration, ”explains Mr. Bégin.
Even when nights at 20°C or 21°C are announced, this freshness may not set in until around 4 or 5 a.m., he illustrates.
From Thursday, it will be slightly cooler due to bands of showers and thunderstorms.
“However, it will stay wet,” says Mr. Bégin. It is especially from Friday that it will be a little less sticky. »
construction holidays
As for the two weeks of construction holidays that are approaching, temperatures are expected to be above seasonal norms.
There will certainly be rain, but we do not foresee a significant rainy trend for southern Quebec.
“It’s a good sign,” says Mr. Bégin, who sees the weather as “favorable for summer activities.”
