Montreal health officials urge caution as heat dangers persist after temperatures cool, following a reported death and rising heat-related cases.
Health Officials Urge Vigilance After Heat Wave Fatality
Montreal Public Health is warning residents to remain alert to heat-related illnesses even as temperatures return to seasonal norms. The advisory follows the death of at least one person since Sunday and five others earlier this year, all linked to extreme heat. Officials stress that the dangers often persist days after the weather cools.
Rising Temperatures Precede Health Concerns
The recent heat wave brought highs above 33°C on Sunday and Monday, with a forecast of 34°C on Tuesday. While Wednesday’s high is expected to reach 29°C, seasonal conditions are projected to return by Thursday. Despite the temperature drop, emergency rooms across the city continue to see patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related symptoms.
Why the Danger Lingers Beyond the Heat Wave
Medical professionals note that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can strain the body over several days, leading to a delayed onset of severe illness. “People may feel fine during the heat, but once their body’s reserves are depleted, their health can decline rapidly,” said Vanessa Grillo of Urgences-santé. This delayed impact means fatalities can occur even after the heat warning ends.
Preventable Deaths Highlight Need for Action
Dr. Anne-Sara Briand of Montreal Public Health emphasized that heat-related deaths are preventable with proper precautions. She urged residents to stay hydrated, keep cool, and check on vulnerable neighbours, particularly seniors and those with chronic conditions. “It’s not just casual heat,” Briand said. “It can be deadly.”
Community Program Targets Vulnerable Seniors
To protect those most at risk, Montreal Public Health has partnered with the city and police to launch Visiter une personne aînée isolée (“Visit an isolated senior”). This program conducts door-to-door visits to identify seniors facing heat risks, offer safety advice, and connect them with ongoing support during extreme weather events.
Climate Change Intensifies Heat Hazards
Officials warn that climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent and dangerous. A 2024 study by Quebec’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique estimates that heat causes approximately 470 deaths annually in the province, with numbers expected to rise if no measures are taken. In 2018, a summer heat wave claimed 66 lives in Montreal, most of them elderly individuals with existing health conditions.
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