The Aftermath of Quebec’s Week-Long Heatwave

Temperatures over 40°C have caused up to 70 deaths in the last week

Key Actors

• Quebec’s Provincial Health Authority – Organization that prevents and records health issues in Quebec

The Situation

Southern Quebec experienced an intense heat wave from June 29th to July 9th. Temperatures reached over 40°C due to elevated humidity, causing up to 70 heat-related deaths.

The Effects

The majority of the victims in this heatwave were elderly and had chronic health issues, and almost all were over the age of 50. Many died because of a lack of air conditioning in their households. Montreal, the largest city in the region, was the hardest hit, with over 30 deaths.

An increase in air conditioning use also triggered power outages in some areas of Montreal, causing thousands to go without power. It is unclear whether power outages are responsible for any deaths.

Heat warnings were issued by Environment Canada for the entirety of southern Quebec during the heatwave. Smog warnings were in place as well due to an increased surface ozone concentration, with vulnerable residents (the elderly, children, etc.) urged to stay indoors.

The Aftermath

By Monday, July 9th, the week-long heatwave was finally over. Environment Canada and Quebec’s health authorities have stopped monitoring the situation and are no longer giving updates on heat-related deaths.

Statistics

• Up to 70 deaths caused by the heat wave
• Temperatures above 40° (with humidity taken into account) for multiple days
• Most fatalities were from the elderly (above 50) population

Bibliography

Cullinane, Susannah. “Up to 70 People Dead after Quebec Heat Wave.” CNN, Cable News Network, 10 July 2018, www.cnn.com/2018/07/10/americas/quebec-heat-wave-deaths-wxc/index.html.

“Death Toll Jumps to 34 as Heat Wave Continues to Bake Southern Quebec | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 5 July 2018, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/death-toll-heat-wave-quebec-1.4734630.

Laframboise, Kalina. “Deadly Heat Wave Blamed for up to 70 Deaths in Quebec.” Global News, Global News, 9 July 2018, globalnews.ca/news/4321912/quebec-heat-wave-70-deaths-2018/.

“Up to 54 Deaths Linked to Southern Quebec Heat Wave.” BBC News, BBC, 6 July 2018, www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-us-canada-44731929.