MONTREAL — Thirty-three people have died in Quebec from one of the worst heat waves to hit eastern and central Canada in decades, authorities said Thursday, underscoring the vulnerability of elderly, ill, and poor people during the hot summer months.

Dr. David Kaiser, the senior physician at Montreal’s public health agency, said that most of those who had died from the heat in Montreal were 65 or older, had histories of health problems or mental illness, and had been living without air conditioning.

He said that disadvantaged people who had chronic illnesses or were living alone were particularly vulnerable.

On Thursday, as temperatures in Montreal rose to 86 degrees — 16 degrees above the average daily temperature for July — local residents sought refuge in park fountains or remained inside in air-conditioned homes or offices. Some elderly residents canceled appointments and stayed at home, eager to avoid the stifling heat outside.

new york times