Environment Canada has issued heat and humidity warnings for southern Quebec as the province experiences its first heat wave of the summer.
The forecast highs for Monday and Tuesday in the region extending from Gatineau to St. Hyacinthe are 30 to 33 degrees, with very high humidity.
Similar conditions are expected for the entire week, and the prospect of thunderstorms and showers on several days will do little to alleviate the stifling heat.
People with chronic lung conditions are being advised to stay out of the heat, and Environment Canada is asking everyone to drink lots of water, limit strenuous activity, and take advantage of shady areas and air conditioning.
Because the extreme temperatures are only expected to last a few days, the city of Montreal and other municipalities have yet to set up cooling centres for those struggling to cope.
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With the high temperatures comes a very high risk of sunburn, with most of southern Quebec reaching a 9 on the UV index.
In addition, smog warnings have been issued for Montreal, Laval, Vaudreuil, Huntingdon, the Lanaudiere, and the Richelieu Valley.
Because of the smog warning, Laval is reducing the cost of taking the bus to $1, in a bid to reduce the amount of air pollution produced in the region.
The STL hopes 1500 drivers will opt to take the bus instead of their cars on smog days.
What are you doing to beat the heat? Leave your suggestions below.
