As temperatures climbed into the low-to-mid 30s with humidex, residents across the North Shore have found themselves dealing with more than just a typical summer heatwave. In recent weeks, the region has experienced a combination of intense heat, humidity, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, forcing many people to adapt their daily routines to increasingly unpredictable weather.
The oppressive humidity has been one of the defining features of this summer’s weather across the North Shore. According to data published by The Weather Network, humidity levels in the Blainville area were hovering around 70 per cent during the July 2 storm system. Conditions are expected to become even more uncomfortable this week, with forecasts showing humidity levels reaching 80 per cent and climbing as high as 88 per cent at certain times. Combined with temperatures approaching 34 C and humidex values well into the upper 30s, the moisture-laden air has made outdoor activities significantly more challenging for residents and workers who spend long hours outside.
Walking Woes
For one local professional, the weather is more than just a conversation topic. It is a daily challenge.
Jen Jones, a dog walker who works throughout Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac and Laval West, spends most of her workday outdoors regardless of the conditions. Whether it is blistering heat, heavy humidity or strong winds, Jones and her four-legged clients still need to get outside.
“Basically every walk for me is a sniffari,” Jones explained. “A sniffari is literally letting the dog go wherever they want. Within reason, with safety in mind and all that stuff.”
On especially hot days, Jones carefully plans her routes around green spaces and shaded areas.
“I picked [Mila] up at her house, and then we made our way here to the park, and on a day like today, we’re probably not going to leave the park,” she said. “The park’s big enough that we can spend 50 minutes here, depending if it gets too hot.”
Shade becomes essential when temperatures soar. Jones avoids pavement whenever possible and says she regularly checks walking surfaces before allowing dogs to cross them. If the pavement is too hot for her hand to remain on it comfortably for seven seconds, she considers it unsafe for a dog’s paws.
The heat affects dog owners and walkers just as much as it affects pets. Jones says staying hydrated is critical during long days outside. She carries water, snacks and electrolyte-rich foods to help avoid dehydration, dizziness and fatigue while moving from one client to another.
Like many outdoor workers across the region, Jones has had to alter her routine repeatedly this summer.
“A lot of the walks I had to shorten,” she said. “That is in my policies with my clients. They understand, they know, that if it’s too hot, it’s too hot. So we’ll cut it short.”
Extreme heat also changes what Jones brings on her walks. In addition to extra water, she sometimes packs frozen treats made from watermelon or bone broth to help dogs cool down. If conditions force a walk to end early, she keeps puzzles, toys and enrichment activities nearby to ensure the animals still receive valuable mental stimulation.
Blainville hit hard
On July 2, a powerful storm swept across large sections of the North Shore, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread power outages. One of the hardest-hit areas was the Fontainebleau sector of Blainville, where residents awoke the next morning to fallen trees, scattered debris and major cleanup efforts.
Roads were littered with branches; mature trees were uprooted and cleanup crews worked throughout the neighbourhood to restore normal conditions. Some residents spent much of the following day removing debris from their properties, while others dealt with power outages and damaged landscaping.
A recipe for powerful storms
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Simon Legault, the same oppressive conditions that made the heatwave so uncomfortable also helped fuel the violent storms that followed.
“Last week we were in the heat wave. There was a lot of heat, a lot of humidity as well, and those are two ingredients that can help generate very powerful thunderstorms,” said Legault.
He explained that the warm, moisture-filled air mass covering much of southern Quebec created ideal conditions for storm development. Once storms were triggered, some rapidly intensified, producing the damaging winds and heavy rainfall that swept across parts of the province.
Legault also noted that humidity often plays just as important a role as temperature during heat events. High humidity can make heatwaves especially difficult because it prevents the body from cooling efficiently and keeps overnight temperatures elevated.
“We need to plan cities differently,” he said. “We need to get greener cities as well so that helps relieve some of the warmer days.”
He pointed to tree planting, shaded public spaces, greater access to water and expanded green areas as practical ways municipalities can help residents cope with future heat events.
Similarly, Jones believes local infrastructure could play a greater role in helping residents and their pets stay safe. She points to a lack of public water fountains and insufficient tree cover in some newer neighbourhoods.
“I mean, it just sounds so obvious, but just be smart,” she said. “Just, like, a global piece of advice. Obviously, drink water, take breaks, stick to the shade.”
As another week of oppressive heat and humidity settles over the North Shore, it is advice many residents may be wise to follow.
