Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Montreal. It’s predicted that we could see an average of 25 heatwave days per year on our Downtown campus and 16 on our Macdonald campus by the end of the century, as the climate changes¹.
To help you cope, McGill has advice and resources.
Cooling Down
- Most McGill library locations are air-conditioned (except the Birks Reading Room) and serve as designated cooling centres during heat waves. Students, faculty, and staff can use them to cool down, take a break, and take in one of our exhibitions or enjoy artworks in a Wi-Fi zone. Consult the Libraries’ hours.
- If you’re looking for a place to eat or rest in the shade, the passageway between the Redpath Museum and Three Bares Park has many benches under the shade of trees.
- Please note that our campuses are private property, with opening hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Consult our building hours.
Staying Hydrated
- There are water fountains in most McGill buildings, many of which are also equipped with water bottle refilling stations.
- During heat events, Facilities Management brings out mobile water refilling stations, setting them up in high-traffic areas like the McLennan Terrace and near the Redpath Museum.
General Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water—before you feel thirsty—and avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol.
- Cool down. Take a cool shower or put a wet towel on your face. Find a cooling centre nearby.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest periods of the day.
- Avoid direct sun. If possible, stick to shaded areas in parks or near water.
- At home, draw your blinds or curtains to keep your house cooler during the day. Open them at night, along with your windows. Limit use of heat-emitting appliances like the oven and dryer.
If you’re working on campus during hot weather, please consult McGill’s Environmental Health & Safety guide.
Other Resources
The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has a guide for working in hot conditions depending on whether the work is light, moderate, or heavy.
The City of Montreal offers various services and tips for residents during heatwaves.
You can find other tips on staying safe during heatwaves from the Canadian Red Cross, as well as the Government of Quebec.
¹ 1. Ouranos (2025). Climate Portraits. Number of extreme heat wave days (Tmin > 20°C, Tmax > 33° C) under a high emissions scenario (SSP3-7.0) for 2071–2100.
