É«É«À² is among the worst in the world for air quality TuesdayÌýas the wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario and Manitoba that blanketed the GTA on Monday slowly lets up.
Tuesday morning saw the previous day’s “very high risk” air quality warningÌý— peaking at a 10+ on the Ìý—Ìýsubside to a 5, representing a moderate risk.
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 it’s currently unhealthy for sensitive groups. The air quality is forecast to improve even further to the “moderate” category by 2 p.m.Ìý
É«É«À²nians are advised that there’s no longer a need to modify outdoor plans unless they have symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
The AQHI is expected to stay at a moderate 5 through Tuesday and dip to 4 on Wednesday, which is still considered a moderate risk and several points higher than what is typical for the city.
Heat warning blazes on in É«É«À²
A heat warning is still looming large over É«É«À² 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 is expected to be sunny and smoky with a high of 32 C that feels as hot as 36 with humidity, coupled with a very high UV index of 9. Temperatures will dip to 21 C at night, with lingering haze.
Clouds will roll in Wednesday morning, bringing a 30 per cent chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm in the late afternoon. Winds will blow 20 km/h in the afternoon amid a daytime high of 31 C. Wednesday is expected to feel even stickier at 41 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 40 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 19 C and 40 per cent chance of more showers.
The forecast calls for rain to relent on Friday with a mix of sun and cloud and high of 26 C during the day. Capping off the week, Friday night will reach a cool and cloudy 14 C.
Symptoms to watch for amid the heat
With the heat warning happening in tandem with wildfire smoke rolling in, 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.
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