18 hours ago
Poor air quality persisting in Montreal
A cargo ship sails through the Port of Montreal on Friday, June 6, 2025. Smoke from the wildfires in the Canadian Prairies is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the Greater Montreal region. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
Montreal briefly had the worst air quality in the world again Saturday morning due to wildfire smoke coming in from the prairies.
By 10:30 a.m., the city was second only to New Delhi, India, according to the World Air Quality Index.
The amount of smog in the air is also reducing visibility.
Environment Canada's special air quality alert is still in effect and Montrealers are encouraged to limit time spent outdoors.
It warns that people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors are particularly vulnerable to air pollution.
'You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,' said Environment Canada.
People are encouraged to keep windows and closed as much as possible to protect indoor air from wildfire smoke. However, in hot weather, staying cool should be the priority.
Air filters, air purifiers and good ventilation systems are recommended.
Environment Canada suggests wearing a respirator type mask outside to reduce exposure to fine particles like PM2.5.
Clean air is expected to move in over the next 24 hours, according to the weather agency.
