4:13 PM EDT Sunday 28 July 2024 Special Weather Statement in effect for: Berthierville - Saint-Gabriel area Extended heat wave. A hot and humid air mass is currently affecting the province of Quebec. Humidex values of 35 to 39 are expected in the afternoon Monday and Tuesday. The nights will remain warm with lows of 18 degrees Celsius or higher. Despite a brief break in the heat Wednesday afternoon due to showers, the heat will return on Thursday with humidex values of near 40. Heat and humidity may also return through Saturday. The feeling of discomfort will be particularly acute in urban areas, where temperatures could reach a few degrees higher. During times of high heat, your health and the health of your family and friends can deteriorate rapidly. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, recommends that you protect yourself from the effects of the heat by taking the following actions: Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day even before feeling thirsty. As appropriate, follow your physician''s instructions regarding the amount of fluid to drink; Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine; If you can, spend at least 2 hours a day in an air conditioned or cool place; Take at least one cool shower or bath per day, or cool your skin several times per day with a wet towel; Limit physical activity; Wear light clothes. Be sure to: Never leave a child or a baby alone in a vehicle or a poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes; Check on and be ready to help your loved ones, especially those who are functionally dependent, disabled, mentally ill or living alone. Remember that heat can also affect the health of pets. If you have any questions regarding your health, call Info-Santé by dialing 8-1-1 or ask a health care provider. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1. For more information, see the Portail santé mieux-être du gouvernement du Québec at www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/en. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to QCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #QCStorm .