Special Air Quality Statement for London and Middlesex County

A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for areas including London and Middlesex County.

Due to wildfire smoke, Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for London and Middlesex County on Thursday, along with other areas of southwestern Ontario.

Wildfire smoke is expected in the area today, and the possibility of ground level smoke continues into Friday.

Poor air quality and reduced visibility is expected.

Environment Canada recommends reducing outdoor activity, keeping windows and doors closed and using a good quality air filter in home ventilation systems.

Conditions are expected to slowly improve overnight.

Thursday is off to a rainy start, with a cold front moving in and the possibility of thunderstorms.

By afternoon, some breaks of sunshine will start peeking through.

“We could still see some thunderstorms in through eastern Elgin County up until about a noon hour and southern Oxford County,” said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison.

Temperatures are cooler in the afternoon, especially along the shoreline of Lake Huron.

“If you’re right along that lake, that cool northerly wind will keep those lake shore temperatures on the chillier side,” said Atchison. London, Kitchener and Mount Forest will see temperatures around 20 to 23 degrees.

Friday brings warmer weather of 25 degrees, with a mix of sun and cloud.

Here’s a look at the rest of the forecast

Thursday: A few showers ending near noon then cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. Risk of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Hazy late in the afternoon. Amount 10 to 15 mm. High 20. UV index 6 or high.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy. Hazy. Low 10.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 25.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 24.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 25.

Monday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 22.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 21.