Smoky conditions return to Ottawa, but weekend should clear with mild temperatures
Air quality is expected to rise to high risk on Saturday as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires drifts into the capital region, before conditions ease Sunday.
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Smoky conditions are forecast to return to Ottawa through Friday night and intensify Saturday, as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires drifts into the region.
The national air quality index currently lists Friday conditions as 3-Low risk, rising to 5-Moderate Friday night, 7-High on Saturday, and dropping to 5-Moderate Saturday night. No air quality alerts are currently in effect.
Friday itself should be mostly sunny with a high of about 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity is expected, and the UV index will be 8 — very high. Skies will become increasingly cloudy Friday evening, with a 60 per cent chance of showers before morning and a risk of thunderstorms. The low will be around 16 degrees.
Saturday will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers and risk of thunderstorms. The high is 25 degrees, but humidity will make it feel like 33. The UV index will be 6, or high. Saturday night has a 30 per cent chance of showers with a low of 13 degrees.
Sunday looks excellent, with sunny skies and a high of about 23 degrees. Sunday night will be clear with a low of 12 degrees.
The facts
What's the air quality forecast for Saturday in Ottawa?
Ottawa's air quality is forecast to reach 7-High on Saturday, July 20, 2026, as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires drifts into the region.
When will conditions improve in Ottawa?
Conditions will ease on Sunday, July 21, 2026, when Ottawa is forecast to have sunny skies with a high of about 23 degrees Celsius.
What's the UV index on Friday in Ottawa?
The UV index in Ottawa on Friday, July 17, 2026, will be 8 — very high.
