Wildfire smoke causing Montreal to have the world's worst air quality
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Smoke from wildfires in the Canadian Prairies has led to air quality warnings across southern Quebec.
Swiss company IQAir this morning ranked Montreal as having the worst air quality in the world.
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Environment Canada has issued warnings that recommend limiting time spent outdoors.
It says people with existing health conditions, seniors, pregnant women, infants, and young children should avoid strenuous outdoor activities this weekend.
Heat warnings are also in effect in southern Quebec for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to top 30 degrees C during the day and remain above 20 degrees C at night.
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CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Environment Canada issues air quality warnings across southern Quebec
Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings across southern Quebec due to smoke from wildfires in the Canadian Prairies. IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, on Saturday morning ranked Montreal as the city with the worst air quality in the world. By early afternoon, it had dropped to second place behind Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. People should limit their time outdoors and reschedule sports and other outdoor events, Environment Canada says. "During heavy smoke conditions, everyone's health is at risk regardless of their age or health status," the weather agency said in an air quality warning issued Saturday. Air quality in Quebec is expected to improve Saturday evening and reach more normal levels on Sunday. The smoke will then move toward New Brunswick and the northeastern United States. A stagnant air mass contributed to the intensity of the smoke on Saturday, but improved air circulation is expected on Sunday. Environment Canada says those most vulnerable include people with existing health conditions, seniors, pregnant women, infants, and young children, and that they should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Mild symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and mild coughing. More serious symptoms include wheezing, chest pains and severe coughing. Environment Canada says people should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible while indoors. Wearing N95 masks outdoors can reduce exposure to fine particles, the agency says. Heat warnings are also in effect in southern Quebec for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with temperatures expected to top 30 C during the day and remain above 20 C at night. The weather agency recommends checking on elderly people and those living alone, and to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Wildfire sweeps northern Athens suburb, residents ordered to evacuate
A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital of Athens on Saturday and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the country's Fire Service reported. Residents of the town of Kryoneri, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) northeast of Athens received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said 'there have been reports of damages. We will take stock when the fires have been put out.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The real difficulties are ahead of us,' Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, whose origin is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five residents, most of them elderly with respiratory problems. Story continues below advertisement Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires 'expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days,' Vathrakoyannis said. The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greece's two largest islands — Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens — and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. In total, 52 wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Toronto Star
Montreal air quality among worst in the world due to wildfires in Prairies
MONTRÉAL - Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings across southern Quebec due to smoke from wildfires in the Canadian Prairies. IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, on Saturday morning ranked Montreal as the city with the worst air quality in the world. By early afternoon, it had dropped to second place behind Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
