É«É«À²

Earlier in the morning, É«É«À² was ranked ninth among the worst in the world for air quality , with Montreal reaching the fourth worst in the world.Ìý

É«É«À²’s spot on the list improved to 11th later in the morning with an air quality index score of 116, according to IQAir, noting that it was unhealthy for sensitive groups. By 4 p.m., the city’s air quality was at 7, or “high risk,” according to Environment Canada. É«É«À² placed 16th in the world for air quality by IQAir.Ìý

Environment Canada issued Tuesday morning, asking residents to “consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”Ìý

The AQHI was expected to drop to 4 on Wednesday, which is still considered a moderate risk and several points higher than what is typical for the city.

There was a possibility of ozone, combined with residual smoke, creating short-term high risk AQHI values, Environment Canada wrote in its advisory.Ìý

Heat warning blazes on in É«É«À²

A heat warning also loomed large over É«É«À² on Tuesday, with Environment Canada forecasting hot and hazy conditions giving way to showers and a possible thunderstorm later this week.Ìý

“A shift in the weather pattern late this week will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity Thursday night,” the agency said in its warning.

Tuesday was expected to be sunny and smoky with a high of 32 C feeling as hot as 36 with humidity, coupled with a very high UV index of 9. Temperatures were forecasted to dip to 21 C at night, with lingering haze.

Clouds were expected to roll in Wednesday morning, bringing a 30 per cent chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm in the afternoon. Winds were expected blow 20 km/h in the afternoon amid a daytime high of 31 C. Wednesday was also expected to feel even stickier than earlier in the week at 39 with humidity, plus another “very high” UV index of 9. Wednesday night will cool to a low of 23 C with more clouds overhead and a 30 per cent chance of showers.

Expect more clouds and a 60 per cent chance of showers Thursday with a daytime high of 29 C, giving way to a cloudy night with a low of 13 C and 40 per cent chance of showers.

The forecast calls for rain to relent on Friday with a sunny sky and a high of 25 C during the day. Capping off the week, Friday night will reach a cool 14 C with clear skies.

Symptoms to watch for amid the heat

With the heat warning happening in tandem with wildfire smoke, Environment Canada is urging people to prioritize keeping cool.

You can protect yourself by:

• Using air conditioning or a fan, or moving to a cooler area in your living space
• Drinking water often (and before you feel thirsty)
• Planning and scheduling outdoor activities for the coolest part of the day
• Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, limiting direct exposure to the sun and heat
• Closing blinds or shades, or opening a window if it’s cooler outside

Heat exhaustionÌý— signs of which include aÌýheadache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigueÌý— means you should stop activities and drink water.Ìý

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a medical emergency. Signs include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and a change in consciousness. If you or someone around you has heat stroke, call for emergency medical attention and cool the person down.

É«É«À²nians can also take advantage of the city’s and expect city pools to remain open amid the heat.