Extreme heat kills 500 people in Quebec every year

Extreme heat has a major impact on Quebec's health care system, says a new report published by INRS, a national institute for scientific research, which publishes various statistics on heat-related deaths and complications in the province of Quebec. INRS findings released Wednesday show that high temperatures in Quebec from May to September were associated with about 470 deaths, 225 hospitalizations, 36,000 emergency room visits and 7,200 ambulance dispatches.

Canadian scientists have warned that the city will see long and intense heat waves in the future, which can directly affect people's mental health and increase violence. Extreme and overwhelming heat can trigger all kinds of social and psychological reactions and thus have dangerous consequences.

According to Environment Canada, Wednesday was the second day in a row of "dangerously hot and humid" weather conditions affecting southern Quebec and Ontario, with daytime highs between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, despite the humidity. It felt between 40 and 45 degrees.

The weather agency issued a warning on Monday that the multi-day heat wave is expected to last until Thursday or Friday.

Health officials advise people to be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses such as swelling, rashes, muscle cramps, fainting and heatstroke.

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