Special air quality statement lifted for Waterloo Region
Environment Canada issued the statement over the August long weekend amid haze and reduced visibility caused by smoke drifting in from wildfires across the Prairies.
On Monday, the weather office said smoky conditions could have lingered into the night and possibly into Tuesday before finally dissipating. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Waterloo Region had dropped to 4, or moderate risk, by 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Last month, local air quality health risk levels reached moderate to high, prompting advisories for residents—particularly vulnerable groups such as seniors, children and people with pre-existing conditions—to limit outdoor activity as much as possible.
Health officials advise residents to continue monitoring the AQHI as conditions may fluctuate with changing weather or wind patterns.
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