Canada had some of the world’s worst air quality on Sunday
A few major Canadian cities experienced some of the world’s poorest air quality on Sunday afternoon
Extensive wildfires burning on the Prairies created abysmal air quality problems for portions of the country this weekend.
One community on the Prairies saw such thick smoke that visibility fell as low as you’d expect during a heavy thunderstorm or a snow squall.
Expect periods of poor air quality to persist into the new week as smoke continues to pose issues for some regions.
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Toronto, Montreal air quality readings among world’s worst
Step outside and you'll probably smell it—smoke has been a major issue across much of Eastern Canada this weekend.
Montreal and Toronto made the list for the top-five major global cities with the worst air quality on Sunday. The cities ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, with air quality values in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range.
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We’ve seen ample wildfire smoke push into Eastern Canada this weekend as a result of upper-level winds blowing directly over prolific fires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Favourable conditions helped mix that smoke down to the surface, degrading air quality throughout the region.
Very thick smoke blankets Fort McMurray
Thick smoke contributed to downright dangerous air quality across portions of northern Alberta during the day Sunday.
Visibility hovered around or below 1 kilometre in Fort McMurray for most of the day Sunday, with the airport reporting exceptionally low visibility of just 200 metres at 5:00 p.m. local time.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said in its air quality warning for the region.
Not only is this level of smoke unhealthy, but such a significant reduction in visibility makes driving hazardous—especially after sunset.
Expect reduced air quality from Toronto to Halifax on Monday
Thick smoke will continue mixing down to the surface across portions of Eastern Canada through the beginning of the new week. Vibrant sunrises and sunsets aren’t the only side effect we’ll see from this intrusion of pollution.
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Folks with chronic health conditions should avoid spending significant time outdoors on Monday across parts of southern Ontario, southern Quebec, and the Maritimes amid reduced air quality throughout the region.
This includes forecast air quality health index values of 6 in Windsor, 7 in Toronto, 5 in Fredericton, and 4 in Halifax.
A centre of high pressure setting up over Quebec will force smoke to linger across southern Ontario well into the new week, though in reduced quantities with each passing day.
Header image courtesy of NOAA.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across Canada.