A special air quality statement that was in effect in Ottawa due to wildfire smoke ended just before 6 p.m. Monday. On Monday morning, Environment Canada said smoky conditions could have lingered longer, but the air quality health index (AQHI) in Ottawa had dropped to 2, or low risk, by the time the statement was lifted. The AQHI for Ottawa was 5, or moderate, at 10 a.m., and had fallen to 2 by 5 p.m. The forecast says it could rise to 4, a moderate risk, by Monday night before dropping back into the low risk category on Tuesday. While the air quality statement for Ottawa has ended, one remains in effect over much of southern Ontario, including along the St. Lawrence River, as of late Monday afternoon. The forecast on firesmoke.ca shows a thin blanket of wildfire smoke from the Prairies still resting over much of Ontario. The forecast for Monday night calls for a few clouds with some local smoke and a low of 14 C. Tuesday’s forecast is cloudy in the morning, clearing in the afternoon, with a high of 27 C and a humidex of 32. The AQHI is forecast to be 3, or low risk, on Tuesday. There could be some local smoke in the air Tuesday night. Wednesday’s outlook is partly cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 29 C. Ways to deal with smoke Environment Canada says there are ways to deal with wildfire smoke, both inside and outside your home. “Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles,” the weather agency says. “If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.”
