Get Ready for a Sizzling Summer: Environment Canada Predicts Hotter-Than-Average Temperatures for Quebecers

This summer, Quebec is bracing for some seriously high temperatures. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has shared a forecast showing warmer-than-usual conditions across the province.

ECCC meteorologist Jennifer Smith emphasizes the importance of staying informed. “When a heat wave hits, you need a plan,” she says. This could mean signing up for local weather alerts, ensuring you stay cool and hydrated, and checking on those who may need extra care during extreme heat.

While the summer heat is expected to rise, wildfire conditions are more stable in Quebec. However, Western Canada is already facing significant wildfire risks, with areas burned already surpassing the ten-year average by three times. These fires can affect air quality in Quebec, with smoke traveling long distances.

For your local air quality, try checking the ECCC’s wildfire smoke map or their Air Quality Health Index.

Looking ahead, ECCC warns that rising temperatures are part of a larger trend linked to climate change. Canada’s summer temperatures have climbed by an average of 1.8°C since record-keeping began in 1948. Remarkably, Quebec is warming twice as fast as many other places worldwide, as highlighted by researchers at Ouranos, a climate research center in Quebec.

With more expected days above 30°C, climatologist Chris McCray points out Montreal could see about 23.5 days of such heat between 2031 and 2060, a steep increase from 12 days in the period from 1991 to 2020. “Because of the greenhouse gases we’ve released, warming is already in motion,” he explains. Unfortunately, without a significant reduction in global emissions, the trend will continue.

As temperatures rise, health risks also increase. McCray highlights that extreme heat can worsen cardiovascular issues, especially for vulnerable populations. Right now, Quebec sees about 470 heat-related deaths each year, a figure that could potentially double or triple by 2040 due to rising temperatures. The economic impact is substantial, costing roughly $3.6 billion annually, with projections of a three to five times increase under moderate emissions scenarios.

Interestingly, warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more intense rain events which can result in localized flooding. With much of our city infrastructure built for a different climate, adapting is crucial. McCray suggests planting more trees, creating green spaces, and reducing areas with hard surfaces to mitigate urban heat.

In summary, this summer’s forecast is a reminder of the changing climate and its widespread effects. Staying informed and taking steps to adapt can help everyone navigate a hotter future.

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