Montreal is enveloped in a heatwave not typically experienced on the first few days of fall.

Temperatures are expected to reach almost 31 degrees early this week -- but with the humidex, it'll feel closer to 40.

Environment Canada says it's been a dry September-- southern Quebec hasn't seen rain in 16 consecutive days. And temperatures are, on average, 10 degrees warmer than the seasonal average.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen that kind of weather that late in September. That’s quite extraordinary. We broke a record in Montreal [Sunday], probably going to break a record [Monday]. [Tuesday], there’s a chance and Wednesday as well. That span of four days breaking records and breaking records well above the normal – we’re talking 13, 15 degrees – but also at night,” said Environment Canada’s Alexandre Parent on Monday.

A heat warning is in effect for southern Quebec:
 

In fact, the temperature hasn't been this high in September since the late 1960s, experts say. 

"[It's] quite unusual for early fall and late September-- it's amazing," Robert Michaud, an Environment Canada meteorologist, told CTV Montreal. 

"We saw that at the end of September in the '60s -- late '60s-- '66, '68. So that was a long time ago," Michaud added -- though these high temeratures are now beating those to be the highest on record for this time of year.

Although many are loving the hot temperature, it does pose a number of risks-- particularly for the young and the elderly.

Teachers say some parents are donating fans to steamy classrooms, while they limit outdoor activity, are teaching with the lights off, and making sure kids stay well hydrated.

When venturing outside, people should be acutely aware of the signs that a loved one may be experiencing heatstroke. 

"The things that they run into is obviously dehydration, and signs of heat sickness," explained Dr. Nicholas Schirmer, an emergency room physician at the MUHC. 

"That can range from feeling a little bit tired, to feeling confused, nauseous, and even vomiting and having chills," Schirmer said. 

Dr. Schirmer recommends that people who are more vulnerable should stay cool as much as possible. 

"If they don't have access to air conditioning, they could consider going to a mall or a library, for example. And avoid strenuous activity if they can," Schirmer explained. 

Urgences Santé has added ten paramedics to its schedule this week specifically to cope with anticipated calls of heat-related emergencies.

And the second most important thing to remember when temperatures soar? Stay hydrated, and avoid alcoholic or sugary drinks.

Splish Splash: What's open outdoors in Montreal?

A number of boroughs have reopened wading pools and splashpads around the city to help families cope with the oncoming heat. Here's a list of what's open, where, and for how long. 

L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève
• Water games
– Eugène-Dostie Park (488, montée de l'Église) Jonathan-Wilson and Robert-Sauvé parks (15734, rue de la Caserne) open until Wednesday October 11. 

Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
• Water games 
–  All open until the 28th of September, except those in Edmond-Hamelin, Félix-Leclerc and Jacques Blanchet parks. 

Montréal-Nord
• Water games
– All open until September 24.

Pierrefonds-Roxboro
• Water games
– All open until further notice.

Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles
• Water games
– All open until September 26.

Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
• Water games
– All open until September 24. 

Saint-Laurent
• Water games
–  Harris, Poirier, Houde, Philippe-Laheurte, Gohier, Beaulac, Goulet and Bois-Franc parks, open until further notice according to the temperature, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Saint-Léonard
• Water games
– All open until further notice, expect Park Luigi-Pirandello, closed due to work. 

Verdun
• Water games
– All open until the end of September.

Ville-Marie
• Water games
–  Des Faubourgs (avenue De Lorimier et rue Ontario Est), Des Royaux (avenue De Lorimier et rue de Rouen), Félix-Antoine-Savard (rues Montcalm and Sherbrooke Est), Joyeux-Vikings (rues Beaudry et Robin), Marcelle-Barthe (rues Wolfe et Ontario Est), Toussaint-Louverture (Habitations Jeanne-Mance, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est et rue Saint-Dominique), are all open until September 26. 

Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension
• Water games
– All open until further notice, except De Normanville and René-Goupil parks, closed for work. 

• Paddling pools
– Nicolas-Tillemont park (7833, avenue des Érables) and Jarry Park (7920, boulevard Saint-Laurent) open Saturday, September 23 and Sunday the 24th from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.