Quebec movers get early start as heat wave grips moving day

MONTREAL – Sidewalks in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood were filled with boxes, mattresses and furniture Wednesday morning as residents prepared for the province’s unofficial moving day under soaring temperatures.

“We wanted to get ahead of the heat,” said Marco Aubut, who was helping with a move in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. “We’re aiming to be done before noon.”

He said the group planned to finish the move before noon, leaving the unpacking for later in the day when they could work indoors.

Some Quebecers moving into new homes on the province’s traditional July 1 moving day got an early start Wednesday as a heat warning covering much of southern Quebec prompted many to finish the heaviest work before temperatures climbed.

Environment Canada forecast daytime highs between 30 and 33 C, with humidex values reaching 40 to 45. The heat warning was expected to remain in effect through Saturday.

For Julien Bolduc, who was moving apartments in Montreal on Wednesday, the heat made an already demanding day even more challenging.

Bolduc said it was only the second time in his life that he had moved on July 1, and the hottest he could remember. “I don’t remember it ever being this hot,” he said as he took a break from carrying boxes.

In a social media publication, Montreal public health officials urged people to start moving as early as possible, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, Dr. David Keiser of Montreal public health said it was ideal to avoid heavy lifting during the hottest part of the day. He recommended starting as early as possible or waiting until later in the afternoon.

Dr. Jehane Dagher, a physiatrist specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the hospital centre affiliated with Université de Montréal, said heatstroke and drops in blood pressure could lead to dizziness, which put those affected at risk of stumbling, falling or dropping a piece of furniture — which could also injure others helping them.

Dagher said the most common moving-related injury — by far — is to the lower back. Crushed fingers and toes, sprained ankles or knees are also common.

Dagher compared moving to a marathon, warning against rushing during sustained effort. She said it was best to plan the day carefully to ensure those moving had enough help and respected their limits.

Despite the hot and humid conditions, Urgences-santé, the ambulance service that covers Montreal and Laval, said it had not responded to any heat-related calls as of Tuesday evening. Officials said updated figures for Wednesday would be available Thursday.

Santé Québec, the provincial health agency, said emergency management and civil security teams were mobilized across the province and that, as of Tuesday, it had not observed an increase in emergency room visits or calls to the province’s 811 health line related to the heat.

Environment Canada said heat warnings are issued when high temperatures are expected to pose an elevated risk of illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

– with files from Erika Morris and Katrine Desautels in Montreal