Southern Quebec faced another scorcher Thursday, as the heat wave dragged into its fourth day.
The extreme heat and humidity prompted the city of Montreal to open more than 100 cooling centres, while people who are stuck outside will have to cope with a forecast high of 34 degrees Celsius.
Add in the humidity and it will feel like 44 degrees.
Even with the occasional cloud, the sun was dangerous, with the UV index hitting 12 in Montreal.
Despite the extreme temperatures, Environment Canada recommended people wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in order to protect themselves from the sun, which will be strong enough to give many people sunburns in less than 15 minutes.
311 for cooling centre locations
David Levine of the Montreal Public Health Agency said citizens should be watching out for elderly family members and neighbours.
"There are often 100 additional deaths during a heat wave," said Levine.
Montrealers who need to find a place out of the heat are being advised to call the city's information line at 311 to find the closest air-conditioned location.
The city of Montreal has also extended operating hours for pools and splash parks.
Meanwhile, nurses are visiting seniors in their homes to make sure they're staying cool.
"The elderly may be wearing layers and layers and not have the sensation of heat -- and by that time, when the person stops sweating, it is very serious," said home care nurse manager Brenda Lecouteur.
Poor air quality
The smog warnings that have been in place for the entire week are spreading to the east, but the air is actually getting better in the west, with the smog warning lifted Thursday for the Gatineau region.
But with smog warnings still in effect for Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and as far northeast as Montmagny, breathing will be difficult for many.
In an effort to reduce air pollution, Laval transit will once again offer reduced fares for its riders. Adults will only have to pay $1 to ride the bus.
Pet care
It's equally important to ensure animals beat the heat, said Alanna Devine of the SPCA.
"When you think about how hot we are – they have fur. So that adds a whole other level to the heat intensity, and they don't sweat," said Devine.
Animals can suffer heatstroke. Dogs should only be taken on short walks in the early mornings or evening hours, and outdoor cats should be kept inside, said veterinarian Dr. Edward Gallagher.
"Sometimes the breathing is very, very noisy. Sometimes there's diarrhea. In very bad cases, the animal could be completely unconscious and lying on his side," said Gallagher.
Always give pets fresh water and if they appear to have heatstroke, never hose them down with cold water, said Gallagher.
"Use lukewarm water and towels and get him to a veterinarian as quick as you can," he said.
Relief in sight
Showers and thunderstorms forecast for Friday are expected to bring the temperature down slightly, but it will only be Saturday before temperatures in the Montreal region dip below the 30 degree mark.
However, the humidity will not be reduced much, and the temperature will still feel as if it's above 30 for the next four or five days.
