Montreal to experience its first heat wave ever: Environment Canada – Montreal

Montreal recorded its first 30 C day Thursday and the heat isn’t expected to let up until Sunday.

“Such a three-day pattern has never been observed so early in May since the beginning of observations,” according to Environment CanadaJean-Philippe Bgin, meteorologist

Environment Canada stated that the earliest known occurrence of aHeat waveThis occurred on May 20, 1911.

Montrealers were forced to search for ways to cool down Thursday because of the record heat.

Loue Froid’s air conditioning units were flying out from the warehouse.

“With big industrial machines we’re sold out. Commercial machines we’re sold out. With residential we still have some left, but we figure that within a week, everything will be gone,” said Luc Despatie, CEO at Loue Froid.

Despatie warns of the difficulty in finding an AC unit because of product shortages.

“Sadly enough, it’s going to nip a few people in the butt this year,” he said.

According to Environment Canada it’s not unusual for the thermometer to reach 30 C in May.

“That’s really not a special thing. We get 30 degrees in May, one year out of three,” said Bgin.

Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montreal is one of the boroughs that offers its residents a chance for a refreshing dip by opening splash pads earlier than normal.

“It’s really hot. You also know that many people live in small apartments. Most people in our community don’t have access to backyards. And so our parks take on a greater importance,” said Alex Norris, Plateau-Mont-Royal city councillor.

Outdoor pools are still closed in the borough.

“We need to have lifeguards. Our lifeguards are often young people who are still in school or college. And so they need to finish their studies before we can hire them,” said Norris.

People looking for sweet relief from the heat are turning to recently reopened ice cream shops.

“It’s great weather to enjoy ice cream and it’s a great start for summer,” said Kem Coba employee Mathieu Fontaine.

If you’re planning to spend time outside in the coming days, experts say take breaks in the shade, stay hydrated and don’t forget the sunscreen.

1:59Montreal is hit by a heat wave in May mid-May