Barrie, central Ontario under special air quality statement
The Simcoe Muskoka region and surrounding areas are among the many across the country that are expected to experience air quality impacts as wildfire smoke moves southeast.
According to Environment Canada, Simcoe Muskoka and York Region are under a special air quality statement as wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. The alert is issued for Thursday night and could remain in effect for some areas on Friday.
Symptoms
The weather agency urges limiting outdoor activities as rising smoke levels cause rising health risks. The symptoms they list from inhaling smoky air include eye, nose, or throat irritation, as well as headaches or mild cough.
Less common but more serious symptoms listed by Environment Canada include wheezing, chest pains, or severe cough. Those who they say are likely to be most impacted include seniors, expectant mothers, infants, young children, and people with a chronic health condition.
How to stay protected
Environment Canada recommends keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible and using an air filter or certified portable air cleaner. Those working outside are urged to wear a respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or an equivalent respirator.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) also released a notice Thursday afternoon, urging locals to stay hydrated, reduce activities if symptoms are experienced, and seek medical attention if necessary.
The bottom line
Environment Canada's air quality warnings and special air quality statements for Thursday span as far west as the affected wildfire regions themselves in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to as far east as the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Quebec.
The Greater Toronto Area, the Simcoe Muskoka region, the Niagara region, Ottawa, Kingston and Thunder Bay are among the notable Ontario urban centres that are under special air quality statements.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
24 minutes ago
- CTV News
Heat warning continues in Windsor, with ‘dangerously hot conditions'
Windsor's heat warning from Environment Canada continues on Sunday, as the dangerously hot conditions continue until mid-week. Daytime highs through the first part of the week will reach 31 to 36 degrees and humidex values will reach up to 45. Little relief is provided from the heat overnight, with temperatures of 21 to 25. Sunday's weather is mainly sunny with temperatures soaring to a high of 35 and a humidex of 46. Monday will be sunny with a high of 35. Environment Canada urges people to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Watch for signs of heat stroke: red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. To stay cool throughout the day, drink water often, close blinds and shades, turn on air conditioning, use a fan or move to a cool public space. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Sunday: Mainly sunny. Wind becoming west 30 km/h this morning. High 35. Humidex 46. UV index 10 or very high. Sunday night: Clear. Wind southwest 30 km/h becoming light late this evening. Low 24. Monday: Sunny. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning. High 35. Humidex 42. UV index 11 or extreme. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 34. Wednesday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 28. Thursday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 30. Friday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 28.
CTV News
25 minutes ago
- CTV News
Thunderstorms, winds prompt downed tree branches, power lines in Ottawa and region
A photo showing a lightning strike in Greely in Ottawa in the early hours of Sunday morning. June 22, 2025 (handout) A powerful thunderstorm that hit the Ottawa region and eastern Ontario Saturday night has caused power outages and downed tree branches. Thousands of people reported power outages in Ottawa Sunday morning. At 5 a.m., the number of people who were left without power was 6,000. At 9 a.m., around 3,000 people were without power in the capital according to the Hydro Ottawa map. According to the Hydro One map, approximately 32,000 people are without power in eastern Ontario stretching from Kingston to Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley. 'We are currently responding to several power outages across the city, a direct result of last night's thunderstorm and high winds. Causes include tree contact and downed wires,' Hydro Ottawa said on its website. 'Our dedicated crews are working 'all hands-on deck,' prioritizing safety, to restore power to all affected customers as quickly as possible.' Hydro Ottawa is asking residents to stay at least 10 meters, 33 feet, away from downed wires. Residents are also asked to report downed wires immediately by calling 9-1-1 and the electricity provider. Residents can report power outages online or by calling the 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188. Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking residents in eastern Ontario to be careful when hitting the roads, citing downed power lines. 'Stay clear of any downed wires,' The OPP said in a post on X. 'There have been numerous power outages reported - if traffic lights are out or all flashing red, treat it as a four-way stop.' The strong thunderstorm came as a heat warning remains in effect for the region. Dangerous heat and humidity are forecasted beginning Sunday afternoon until Tuesday night, according to Environment Canada. The weather agency warns of high temperatures reaching 30C-36 C, which will feel like 40-45 with humidex. Little relief is expected from the heat at night, as Environment Canada is anticipating overnight lows of 21 C to 25 C. More to come
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
‘Dangerously hot and humid': Heat warning issued for London
The sun shines during a heat wave in London, Ont. A heat warning has been issued for London by Environment Canada, starting Sunday afternoon and continuing until Tuesday night. The heat event is described as, 'dangerously hot and humid,' with daytime highs reaching 36 and humidex values reaching 45. Overnight temperatures remain 21 to 25 degrees. Although a cold front is expected late Tuesday, it may not push into southwestern Ontario, causing the heat to continue into Wednesday. Sunday's weather brings mainly cloudy skies, clearing this afternoon. Temperatures will soar to 34 degrees with a humidex of 44. Environment Canada urges people to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Watch for signs of heat stroke: red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. To stay cool throughout the day, drink water often, close blinds and shades, turn on air conditioning, use a fan or move to a cool public space. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Sunday: Mainly cloudy. 30 per cent chance of showers early this morning with risk of a thunderstorm. Clearing this afternoon. Wind west 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 34. Humidex 44. UV index 10 or very high. Sunday night: Clear. Wind southwest 20 km/h becoming light this evening. Low 23. Monday: Sunny. Wind becoming southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 in the morning. High 35. Humidex 43. UV index 10 or very high. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 33. Wednesday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 29. Thursday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 26. Friday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 25.
