July was the hottest month in Montreal in nearly 100 years

If March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, then July came in like a chili pepper and out like desert sand.

Environment Canada meteorologist Simon Legault confirms that Montreal is bidding ‘au revoir’ to the hottest month the island has seen since 1921.

July’s average temperature of 24.2°C fell just half a degree shy of the all-time mark of 24.7°C, recorded 97 years ago. The average temperature for July usually hovers at around 21.2°C.

Montreal dealt with 11 days with temperatures above 30°C last month; usually July has just three to four.

The dangerous temperatures started immediately in July and resulted in deaths, frequent 911 calls and water bans.

Despite feeling a lot dryer than it was, Montreal also dealt with 97 milimetres of rain in July, slightly above the month’s average of 89 mm.

Most of that rain, 90 mm, poured down in three days.

According to Environment Canada, August will bring a few days of high heat but not to the extent of July’s scorching temperatures.

In keeping cool, weather officials recommended that citizens drink plenty of water, wear breathable clothing, hats and sunscreen and people are urged to check-in on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members.

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