MONTREAL - An oppressive heat wave continued to blanket central and southern Ontario, southern Quebec and much of the Maritimes on Wednesday, with daytime highs hitting 30 C to 35 C 鈥 above 40 C with the humidex 鈥 and officials warning about the dangers of such extreme temperatures.
The hot weather was expected to continue into Friday, says Environment Canada, with overnight temperatures staying above 20 C.
Jennifer Smith, a national warning preparedness meteorologist with the federal department, said a heat wave this intense 鈥渉as rarely been observed this early in June,鈥 and rivals some of the worst July and August heat waves Eastern Canada has seen in recent years.
The high humidity and relatively high nighttime temperatures are making this week鈥檚 weather especially gruelling, Smith said Wednesday during a federal government news conference. 鈥淧eople are not able to cool off for an extended period of time,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t will be a muggy, hot few days for Eastern Canada.鈥
A person uses a paddle board on the Lachine Canal in Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A woman soaks in the sun in the Montreal borough of Lasalle on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A man sits under a tree in the Montreal borough of Lachine on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
Moaaz, 9, emerges from the waters of the Ottawa River at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Jamie Scott, right, reacts as she dunks herself in the water at Britannia Beach, as she swims with Jena Jaber, left, in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Hamza, 12, catches a throw from his brother Moaaz, 9, as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Savannah Kluke, right, helps Thomas Burns apply some sunscreen as they relax at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A lifeguard works at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Danica Gravel, left, and Ashley Muller cool off in the shallow water at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Laura Shannon kisses her son Jack, 4 months, as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Youssef Ismail, left, and Andre Gallant leap into the water to catch a frisbee tossed by a friend as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A jet-skier takes a drink as they cool their legs in the Ottawa River near Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A paddler sunbathes on their stand-up paddleboard on the Ottawa River near Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A construction worker eats a popsicle to keep cool on the worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
Construction workers eat popsicles to keep cool on their worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A construction worker eats a popsicle to keep cool on the worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
Extreme heat in Ontario and Quebec
A person uses a paddle board on the Lachine Canal in Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A woman soaks in the sun in the Montreal borough of Lasalle on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A man sits under a tree in the Montreal borough of Lachine on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
People try to beat the 30C heat in Montreal, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
- Ryan Remiorz
Moaaz, 9, emerges from the waters of the Ottawa River at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
People try to beat the 30C heat in Montreal, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
- Ryan Remiorz
Jamie Scott, right, reacts as she dunks herself in the water at Britannia Beach, as she swims with Jena Jaber, left, in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Tourist don sun hats and carry umbrellas as they visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as temperatures hit 32C in what meteorologists are calling a heat dome. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
- Sean Kilpatrick
Hamza, 12, catches a throw from his brother Moaaz, 9, as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Savannah Kluke, right, helps Thomas Burns apply some sunscreen as they relax at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A lifeguard works at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Danica Gravel, left, and Ashley Muller cool off in the shallow water at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
Laura Shannon kisses her son Jack, 4 months, as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
People make their way through downtown Ottawa on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as temperatures hit 32C in what meteorologists are calling a heat dome. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
- Sean Kilpatrick
Youssef Ismail, left, and Andre Gallant leap into the water to catch a frisbee tossed by a friend as they cool off at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A person carries an umbrella for shade as they walk on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as temperatures hit 32C in what meteorologists are calling a heat dome. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
- Sean Kilpatrick
A jet-skier takes a drink as they cool their legs in the Ottawa River near Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A paddler sunbathes on their stand-up paddleboard on the Ottawa River near Britannia Beach in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
- Justin Tang
A construction worker eats a popsicle to keep cool on the worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
Construction workers eat popsicles to keep cool on their worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
A construction worker eats a popsicle to keep cool on the worksite in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Tuesday for the remainder of the week, expecting temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius, but feeling closer to 40-45 degrees with the humidex. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
- Christinne Muschi
She said the heat wave has already broken some temperature records and more could fall. Scientists with Environment Canada will do a rapid analysis of the heat wave once it鈥檚 over to figure out how much it was influenced by human-caused climate change. The results, part of the agency鈥檚 new rapid attribution project, are expected by the end of next week.
Toronto and Ottawa have both extended hours at certain outdoor pools until Thursday. In Montreal, air-conditioned public buildings, including libraries and cultural centres, are also open longer than usual.
On Wednesday afternoon, volunteers from Toronto non-profit Project FoodChain delivered water to people experiencing homelessness in the city's west end. The group says it plans to deliver 230,000 bottles of water across Toronto and neighbouring Peel region.
Project FoodChain spokesperson Kate Hanley said that with episodes of extreme heat growing more common, providing drinking water to unhoused people has become "an emergency health intervention."
"If you can鈥檛 get inside, and you鈥檝e got some water, you鈥檝e got a way better chance of survival,鈥 she said.
Early-season heat waves can be more dangerous because people are not as acclimatized as they may be later in the summer, said Peter Berry, a Health Canada senior policy analyst and science adviser. 鈥淲hen something happens like this, that鈥檚 so quick and so intense, it can be a problem for that reason,鈥 he said during the federal news conference.
Quebec's Health Department is recommending people spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned space, take at least one cool shower or bath per day, and limit physical activity. Environment Canada is also reminding people to check on loved ones, especially those who are disabled, mentally ill or living alone.
The heat wave stretched to parts of Quebec that have rarely seen such high temperatures this time of year, including Rimouski in the province鈥檚 Bas-St-Laurent region, where the average daily June high is 21 C. The town of roughly 50,000 people was expected to reach 32 C on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Fr茅d茅ric Savard said the town's outdoor pools will open earlier than usual this year, but still not before this weekend. 鈥淭his heat is exceptional for Rimouski,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hese are temperatures that we usually see in July or August.鈥
Meanwhile, a new study from Quebec's national research centre analyzing data available up to 2019 estimates that high temperatures in Quebec are associated with an average of 470 deaths and 225 hospitalizations each summer. "I think that this really provides a solid argument to say that we need to put measures in place to reduce this burden, which is going to be greater and greater," said the study's main author, J茅r茅mie Boudreault, with Institut national de la recherche scientifique.
Also on Wednesday, Quebec's order of chemists expressed its dismay over a new trend of social media influencers claiming sunscreen ingredients are harmful to the skin. It said such "scientifically unfounded" claims could endanger public health.
Michel Alsayegh, president of the order of chemists, says sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and that scientific research demonstrates the efficacy and safety of these products when used properly.
鈥淚t is worrying to see pseudo-experts inciting the population to forego sun protection, thereby increasing the risk of skin cancer and other damage caused by UV rays," he said.
In New Brunswick, which was under a heat warning with temperatures forecast to hit 30 to 35 C, Laura-Maia Wright of Fredericton spent the morning kayaking by Angelview Park.
"I was wondering why more people weren't out in the water," she said. "It was so good. Because it makes you feel cooler, because you're by the water, but it is more reflective with the sun so you can burn easier."
This report by 春色直播was first published June 19, 2024.
鈥 With files from Jordan Omstead and Sheila Reid in Toronto, Jean-Benoit Legault in Montreal and Hina Alam in Fredericton.
