Expect lower air quality as wildfire smoke reaches Eastern Canada
Folks who are sensitive to lower air quality should use caution outdoors this weekend
A smoky weekend is in store for much of Eastern Canada as winds sweeping across fires on the Prairies blow into the region.
Reduced air quality could lead to respiratory issues for folks with chronic health conditions. Don’t leave home without your camera, either—the smoke could also lead to vibrant sunrises and sunsets throughout the region.
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Wildfire smoke arriving from the Prairies
Portions of Ontario dealt with noticeable smoke on Wednesday and Thursday as northwesterly winds blew a new airmass into the province.
This next round of smoke will cover much more real estate as a low-pressure system pushes toward Eastern Canada this weekend. A cold front to the north and centre of high pressure to the south will ‘sandwich’ the smoke over the region.
Upper-level smoke will spread across Ontario and Quebec into the day Saturday, leading to vibrant sunrises and sunsets across the provinces.
The highest concentration of low-level smoke will remain confined to northeastern Ontario, western Quebec, and into the Ottawa Valley through Saturday evening. These areas can expect degraded air quality when low-level smoke is present.
We’ll see the smoke push into Atlantic Canada by Sunday.
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Forecasters expect air quality readings to improve on Monday for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Folks in southern Ontario will have to wait a little longer for improvement as high pressure moving into northern Ontario will wrap the smoke back into the region.
Wildfire smoke can cause respiratory problems in those who suffer from chronic illnesses or respiratory diseases. If possible, stay indoors during periods of reduced air quality, and consider wearing a mask outdoors to reduce your exposure to fine particulate matter.
Header image courtesy of Jeff Adams.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Eastern Canada.