An air quality warning for Ottawa has ended after smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario drifted into the national capital region. Environment Canada had issued a Yellow Warning-Air Quality for Ottawa and eastern Ontario this morning, warning smoke from wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario was causing poor air quality. The advisory was lifted around 1 p.m. The Air Quality Health Index was 7-High Risk in Ottawa at 11 a.m., before improving to 4-Moderate Risk at noon. An Orange Warning – Air Quality is in effect for the Greater Toronto Area and parts of southern Ontario. The advisory is in effect for the area from Kingston west to Toronto, London and Windsor. The Air Quality Health Index is 10-Very High Risk in the Toronto area today. Orange warning along Lake Ontario Environment Canada has issued an Orange Warning – Air Quality for the Kingston, Belleville and Bancroft areas. “Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Conditions may improve this afternoon or evening for some locations before possibly deteriorating again late Friday or Saturday,” the weather agency said. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.” The Air Quality Health Index was 10 – Very High Risk in Kingston and Belleville at 12 p.m. The Southeast Public Health Unit is reminding residents to keep their indoor environment smoke free due to the risk of wildfire smoke. “When the air quality risk is high due to wildfire smoke, it’s essential to keep your indoor environment smoke-free,” the health unit said on Facebook. “Close windows and doors tightly, and if using air conditioning ensure it is on the recirculation setting. If you don’t have air conditioning and it is too warm inside, consider visiting a local cooling centre.” When the Air Quality Health Index is above 10, health officials recommend the general population reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. The at-risk population is asked to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and children and the elderly should avoid outdoor physical exertion. Relief from the heat Ottawa residents and tourists will receive some relief from the heat, with below-seasonal daytime highs expected through the weekend. Environment Canada is calling for a high of 26 C today, with daytime highs of 25 C on Friday, 21 C on Saturday and 25 C on Sunday. The normal daytime high for this time of year is 27 C. The forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud today with a 40 per cent chance of showers this afternoon. There is a risk of a thunderstorm. High 26 C. It will be clear tonight. Low 14 C. Friday will be sunny. High 25 C. Saturday will see mainly cloudy conditions with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 21 C. The outlook for Sunday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 25 C. Monday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 27 C. Environment Canada lifted the heat warning for Ottawa on Wednesday afternoon.
