Jorge Maria

Pontiac August 11, 2021

Federal and Quebec government departments requested the public take special precautions as a heatwave hits the area.

Monday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a special weather advisory after a mass of hot and humid air was expected to blanket much of the Pontiac until Friday. 

Temperatures are expected to reach into the 30s with a humidex between 36 and 40 C. The evening will be hot and uncomfortable, with the temperature dropping into the 20s.

The bulletin advised the public to reduce risks to the health of young children “by planning to cool them often, hydrate them well and limit their exposure to heat.”

Similarly, CNESST issued a press release advising employers to take special consideration for employees working outside in the heat. Recommendations include giving workers lighter workloads or postponing non-essential physical tasks to cooler parts of the day.

The majority of the country has experienced brutal heatwaves over the summer, while Quebec has, until now, been spared from enduring the suffocating heat.

The relatively mild and wet weather has also significantly reduced the incidents of forest fires in the area. In a typical July, Quebec can expect an average of 97 fires, last month, the firefighters battled only 32 blazes, according to SOPFEU.