Thunderstorms cut power to over 160,000 Quebec homes

A beautiful end to a record setting hot day. Mother Nature has been putting on quite a show this week, I took this picture of a spectacular sunset over Vaudreuil Bay last evening. Decaying cumulus clouds can be seen in the background as the storms dissipated at sunset. At the same time lightning was flashing in the distance behind me off to the east.

Heat warning remains in effect for metro Montreal.

The heatwave continues. As I write this Tuesday afternoon, the mercury has reached the forecast high of 32C (90F). In relative terms, it is a touch less oppressive today in Montreal, as dew points and humidity levels are down. It does however, remain hot. The humidity will creep back up again on Wednesday and Thursday into the oppressive range, along with highs near 35C (95F).

On Monday, Montreal recorded another record high in this current heatwave, reaching 35.3C (96F). The previous record was 34.4C established in 1963. We will likely miss the record from today of 33.9C set in 1966, but challenge it once again tomorrow and Thursday. As hot as Montreal was, the city was not the warmest in the country, Ottawa hit 36C (97F), breaking the 1963 mark of 35.6C. Bagotville was a sultry 36.9C (99F). Burlington, Vermont recorded the warmest night since record keeping began in that city, remaining above 27C (80F) Monday. The heatwave is forecast to continue through Thursday, before the arrival of a cold front. Cooler, less humid weather is forecast for the weekend. Severe thunderstorms are likely to accompany the cold front late Thursday into Friday morning across southern Ontario and Quebec.

The intensity and duration of the heat is beginning to take its toll on the region. Urgences Sante has reported a sharp increase in heat related medical calls. Cooling centres have been opened and pool hours have been extended in many communities. According to Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, the city is having police and firefighters go door to door visiting those residents who are most vulnerable to the heat, including seniors. Montreal public health officials are reporting six fatalities directly linked to the heatwave.

Severe Thunderstorms
A weak cold front crossed southern Quebec late Monday afternoon, triggering a line of severe thunderstorms. Strong winds. in excess of 140km/h, brought down trees and power lines and caused major damage to Hydro Quebec infrastructure. A combination of lightning and wind knocked power out to over 163,000 Quebec residents. Hydro Quebec had more than 250 teams deployed to repair the damage. As of 3pm Tuesday afternoon, over 90 percent of the customers had been reconnected, with 15,000 customers still sweating in the dark. Hydro Quebec said that most of the power will be restored by the end of Tuesday, but some of the hardest hit regions may not get power back until late Wednesday.