Heatwave and scorching heat

Overwhelming heat waves are defined by:

• three consecutive days where the maximum average temperature reaches 33 °C and the minimum average temperature does not drop below 20 °C;
• when the temperature does not drop below 25 °C for two consecutive nights.

Services offered by the City

We invite the public to enjoy outdoor pools, water games, or free swimming and lane swimming periods at the aquatic center. The City usually extends the opening hours of certain air-conditioned municipal buildings, such as the library, the Olive-Urquhart sports center, and the Bob-Birnie arena. Check the City's communication platforms for more information.

Here is a list of places to cool down:

• water games at Augusta and Valois parks;
• the aquatic center;
• the sports center;
• the library;
• the arena.

Tips to follow during a heatwave

• drink plenty of water without waiting to be thirsty;
• wear light and pale-colored clothing;
• avoid staying outside;
• limit your physical efforts and activities;
• spend time in air-conditioned places;
• moderate your consumption of alcoholic, caffeinated, or very sugary drinks, as they dehydrate.
• regularly check on your loved ones.

Watch out for heatstroke

Some symptoms should be monitored. Be vigilant!

Call Info-Santé at 811 or consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• confusion;
• exhaustion (fatigue);
• dizziness;
• fainting;
• nausea or vomiting;
• dehydration (dry mouth);
• headaches.

If you have a fever in addition to experiencing these symptoms, call 911 for help quickly. You may be suffering from heatstroke.

Tips for keeping your home cool

If you do not have access to an air-conditioned place near you or have difficulty moving, here are some tips to still stay cool:

• avoid using appliances that generate heat (stove, oven, dryer, television, lights, etc.);
• close windows, curtains, blinds, and doors during the day. Ventilate in the evening, at night, or early in the morning;
• circulate air using fans;
• place a frozen water bottle in front of a portable fan to diffuse cooler air.

Vulnerable people

These people are more at risk during a heatwave and should be closely monitored:

• children 4 years old and under;
• people suffering from chronic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological diseases, or diabetes;
• people aged 65 or over living in a non-air-conditioned place;
• people with a mental health disorder or dealing with alcohol or drug addiction problems.

Outdoor workers

As the risk of heatstroke can be greater because you are exposed to heat for longer, it is important to drink a large amount of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Do not wait to feel thirsty to drink and follow the recommendations of your employer and the CNESST to get through this period well and limit health risks.