Montreal in throes of record-breaking heat

The balmy weatheracross southern Quebec is expected to continue until midweek with highs in Montreal at about 30 C, without thehumidex.

As of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, it was 28 C in Montreal and the heat had broken the former record of 26.7 C set in 1968.

The normal high at this time of year is 17 C and Environment Canada says the hot weather conditions this upcoming week could break some records in the Montreal region.

The weather agency has also issued a heat warning for Gatineau, wherehumidexvalues will make it feel like40.

Environment Canada recommends planning outdoor activities during cooler periods of the day, keeping hydrated and reducing exposure to the heat.

By Thursday, seasonal temperatures will resume with a high of 17 C and a nighttime low of 7 C.

The heat also saw the reopening of some Montreal wading pools.

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Ambulances added for heat calls

Urgences Santadded 10 extraambulances to Montreal streets Sunday, on top of the 10 it sent to the half-marathon, said chief of operationsFranois Labelle.

Labelle said the first responders agency would be adding between five and 10 ambulances every day over the next few days until the weather cools. The temperature isforecast to dip by Wednesday or Thursday.

He said respiratory problems were often an issue for seniorsduring a heat wave and he cautioned young children and the elderly the age groups most vulnerable to extreme heatto stay out of the heat as much as possible.

"As always try to stay hydrated," Labellesaid."If you can find a cool place with air conditioning, stay inside."

If you can't, stick to the shade and avoid physical labour. And if that's not an option, make sure to take breaks and drink water, he added.

Marathon cancelled

Due to the high temperatures, theRock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon was cancelledSunday with a half-marathon and 10 km events still taking place.

TheRock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal half-marathon took place Sunday despite the heat. The race began an hour early, at 7:30 a.m., to try to get ahead of the heat.

Twenty people were still sent to medical tents suffering from heat-related issues, among other ailments.

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