“It gives the impression that we are in Arizona”: Quebec breaks a heat record for June 19

The beach on the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain, like many bodies of water, was stormed on Wednesday due to the intense heat that fell on Quebec and which made it possible to break a heat record at the end of the year. afternoon with a mercury of 33.4 degrees.

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“Since the beginning of this episode, very high temperatures of over 30 degrees have been observed with humidity values ​​above 40. These conditions are expected to continue until this ridge weakens and moves away” , explained Jennifer Smith, meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada.

In Quebec, the maximum temperature record of 33.2 degrees, set in 2020, was broken at 3 p.m. with a recorded temperature of 33.4 degrees.

A minimum temperature record was also broken overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday as the mercury reached 21.2 degrees, which downgraded a record dating from the 1950s with 19.4 degrees.

“Night temperatures remain very warm, which exacerbates the heat event because relief is limited to nighttime,” Ms.^me Smith.

This first heatwave occurs before summer even begins.

“Such a heat wave has rarely been observed so early in June. It is similar to the worst heat waves in July and August. From a meteorological point of view, it is an important ridge,” added the specialist.

Looking for ways to cool off, many people headed to the beach on Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain on Wednesday.

“It makes it feel like we’re in Arizona. We just arrived there and it was exactly like that, except that they have installations that create shade. It’s better,” said Micheline Vézina, who was accompanied by her daughter.

Even though the mercury was up to the ceiling, Josianne Harvey intended to take advantage of this beautiful afternoon off to relax.

“I came to cool off, but there are more people than I thought,” she said.

“I’m very often inside with the air conditioning, so it makes me feel good to be outside. I’m not the type to complain about the temperature, even in winter when it’s very cold,” she continued.

Mireille Lavoie also took advantage of the facilities offered at the beach on Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain with her 11-month-old baby, well sheltered from the sun in her stroller.

“It’s overwhelming, but with the water points, we’re very good,” shared the young mother.

A return to normal is expected on Friday, according to André Monette, chief meteorologist at Weather Network.

“The humidity is very high which means that feelings reach 45 degrees in Quebec. Thursday evening, we should start to see a difference. Humidity levels should drop. It will continue to be hot, but it should be much more comfortable outside,” explained Mr. Monette.

Authorities warn against heatstroke which can have serious consequences. According to the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), which conducted a study with other collaborators, high temperatures are associated each summer with 470 deaths, 225 hospitalizations, 36,000 emergency room visits, 7,200 ambulance transports. and 15,000 calls to Info-Santé.