Heat wave

Last updated May 31, 2023

What steps does Montréal take to protect the population during a heat wave? Who is most at risk? Find out how heat waves are managed in Montréal.

Monitoring summer temperatures

During a heat wave, people can quickly experience health problems. Throughout the summer, Montréal keeps a close watch on the situation, activating its response plan as soon as weather forecasts include:

  • a temperature that stays at or above 33°C (cumulative average) during the day and does not go below 20°C at night, for three consecutive days 
  • a temperature at or above 25°C for two consecutive nights

Services for citizens

Extended opening hours for swimming pools, wading pools, play fountains and beaches, as well as a number of air-conditioned public buildings are provided so that people can cool off.

The city works with the Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal CIUSS (Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux) to make sure that the most vulnerable people are safe.

Vulnerable people

The following people are most at risk during a heat wave:

  • Children under 4
  • People aged 65 and over who do not have air conditioning
  • People chronically ill with diabetes or cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory or neurological illness
  • People experiencing mental health problems (especially schizophrenia) or problems of alcoholism or drug addiction
  • People living alone and experiencing reduced autonomy
  • Workers or athletes involved in strenuous physical activity

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