While smoky air is expected to improve gradually on Saturday, it could get bad again into the evening before clean air returns Sunday. Environment Canada has issued a yellow air quality warning Saturday morning, a step down from the orange warning that’s been in effect since Wednesday. The region will have a slight break from the smoke Saturday afternoon with poor air quality expected to come back Saturday night into Sunday morning. After that though, we can look forward to breathing in clean air Sunday afternoon and Monday. Still take precautions Environment Canada continues to advise the public to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor events. People most impacted by smoky air are those who are 65 years old or older, pregnant people, children and people with existing health conditions. If you have to be outdoors, Environment Canada recommends reducing strenuous activities and wearing an N95 mask to reduce exposure to find particles in the smoke. Direction of smoke The national weather centre tells CTV News the current smoke plume affecting Barrie and Simcoe County is moving from west to east, meaning it’s leaving the region. “Wind is a big driver for smoke transportation,” says Environment Canada. Even though that plume is moving out, a new one is about to move in. While the smoke moving from west to east makes its way out, wind from the north will bring a new plume of smoke down to the region later on Saturday, which is when air quality will get worse again. The air quality health index from Environment Canada is expected to range from a 10 + or very high risk down to a 5 or moderate risk and fluctuate throughout the day. Come Sunday afternoon, you’ll be able to breathe in fresh, clean air following Saturday afternoon’s cold front. According to Environment Canada, the rain helps to improve air quality as it moves the plume down to the ground and helps to dilute the pollutant. As 10 mm of rain comes down on the region Saturday morning, an additional 10 mm is expected to come in the afternoon. The national weather centre says we will also see excellent air quality Monday in what it calls a “big improvement.”
