Today and tomorrow in Montreal, there’s another heat wave—the second one in July 2026. On July 8, 2026, the temperature in the city is 30 degrees.
Some might say, “Pffff, 30 degrees is nothing!” But let’s not forget the Humidex—it’s an index used during heat waves to reflect how hot most people actually feel.
Heat, especiallyextreme heat, is dangerousfor the most vulnerable people (children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses), and even if you’re in great shape,you’ll need to be very careful and take it easy—and stay cool—over the next few days.
Montreal, like the rest of the world, has been facing more and more heat waves in recent years due to global warming. How can we stay cool?
Recommendations from Environment Canada
To get through the heat wave with grace —and perhaps even emerge with a golden pre-vacation glow —Environment Canada has some recommendations:
- We protect and check in on our seniors, bring them cold water, and rummage through closets to find their widest hats (style matters, too). Shortness of breath, very red cheeks, and dizziness are signs that the heat is too intense, and these symptoms must be monitored closely.
- Drink water very often, even if you’re not thirsty (and unfortunately, you can’t replace water withNitrobrewbecause coffee dehydrates you).
- If you have air conditioning, turn it on(and if not, turn on every fan you can find).
- Wearloose-fitting, light-coloredclothing
- Go out to do activitiesduring the cooler hours(early in the morning, late in the afternoon)
- Never leavechildren, pets, or our parents in the car, because the heat inside a closed car can be as intense as that of an oven.
…and our recommendations
- Take lukewarm showers at regular intervals (it’s good for your skin, too).
- Let’s call our new best friend right away: that friend who lives in an apartment building with a pool
- We eat cucumbers, watermelon, lemonade, and, if needed, unlimited amounts of Mr. Freeze, but always while drinking plenty of water
- We’re heading to the cabin for a few days and will be working by the lake
- Let’s go to the movies (where the air conditioning is the coolest in town)
- Let’s go for a “beach-in-the-city” look with a swimsuit, a sarong, and a lightweight shirt. Be sure to wear lightweight fabrics (cotton, linen) and light colors.
- We give our wrists a workout by fanning ourselves with a hand fan (for traditionalists) or a portable fan (for the more tech-savvy)
