It’ll be a hot and hazy week for northwestern Ontario with nearby forest fires impacting air quality and a Heat Warning from Environment Canada.
Firesmoke.ca, a tool that tracks the movement of smoke throughout Canada, shows a light haze of smoke throughout most of the region today, with heavy and dark smoke hitting northern communities near Savant Lake, Whitewater Lake and the Ogoki River.
Photo courtesy of firesmoke.ca
The smoke is coming mostly from the region’s forest fires, which have been reported as 33 active fires according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
People with lung disease, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are all advised to stop or reduce their activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or they start to feel unwell.
That is especially true with today’s heat warning, which will further increase risks for those most vulnerable.
Environment Canada says extreme heat will begin today with some relief overnight, but hot and humid conditions are expected again on Tuesday with no relief overnight, and may continue Wednesday in parts of the region.
All residents are asked to watch for the effects of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in place.
