Smoke from northern Quebec fires reduces air quality in Ottawa through Monday
Sunday's yellow smoke warning drops to low risk by Monday as forest fires in Quebec push poor visibility across the Gatineau River.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ottawa woke Sunday, July 12, to a yellow smoke warning as forest fires burning in northern Quebec degraded local air quality and visibility on both sides of the Gatineau River.
Ontario's Air Quality Health Index rated Sunday's conditions as moderate to low risk, expected to drop to low risk by Monday, July 13. Environment Canada warned residents to consider reducing outdoor activities, noting that smoke exposure can cause mild symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or mild cough.
People aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, those with existing chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers are most likely to be affected.
Sunday's forecast called for sunny skies with a high of 28°C and a humidex of 30. Monday will see clouds roll in with a 30 per cent chance of afternoon showers and a risk of thunderstorms, with gusts reaching 50 km/h in the morning and a high of 31°C (humidex 37). Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day yet, with a high near 34°C and a 30 per cent chance of showers later in the day.
