Ottawa air quality at ‘high risk' due to wildfire smoke

CTV News

13 hours ago

Smoke hangs over Ottawa's Major's Hill Park and Gatineau on Friday morning. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement, warning smoke will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. (Westin Camera)
Smoke from wildfires will continue to hang over Ottawa today, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec, warning wildfire smoke is expected to linger into this afternoon. The forecast calls for 'local smoke' today, tonight and on Saturday.
'Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,' the weather agency said in a statement.
'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.'
As of 7 a.m., Ottawa's air quality was rated '10-High Risk.' The Air Quality Health Index shows Ottawa's air quality will be '10-High Risk' through the day and '7-High Risk' tonight.
According to www.firesmoke.ca, smoke from wildfires continues to blanket all of Ontario, western New York State and most of Quebec. The smoke is will linger over Ottawa into Saturday.
Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says when the Air Quality Health Index is at 'High Risk,' people with heart or breathing problems should 'reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.' Children and the elderly should also take it easy, according to officials.
The general population is urged to 'consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.'
Environment Canada says you should keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible due to the wildfire smoke.
Health Canada says wildfire smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour that contains ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, fire particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The fine particles represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke.
Common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include headaches, a mild cough, a production of mucus and nose, throat, eye and sinus irritation.
Ottawa weather
Environment Canada's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud today. High 26 C with the humidex making it feel like 28.
It will be mainly cloudy tonight. Low 14.
Friday will have a mix of sun and cloud. High 25 C.
Sunday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 24 C.
The outlook for Monday calls for cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 21 C.
A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers on Tuesday. High 22 C.
The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 12 C.