UPDATE: Environment Canada has lifted its air quality warnings for the Ottawa-Gatineau region and nearby areas as of Sunday afternoon.
Previously, Environment Canada had issued an air quality warning for Ottawa-Gatineau and parts of the surrounding area due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec.
The smoke from wildfires was expected to lead to poor air quality and decreased visibility around the national capital, according to a yellow-level alert issued by the weather agency on Saturday afternoon.
Environment Canada advised that people should limit their time outdoors and think about rescheduling any outdoor activities.
The smoke can lead to minor symptoms such as headaches, a mild cough, and irritation in the ears, nose, and throat.
More serious symptoms could include wheezing, chest pain, and severe coughing, as noted by Environment Canada.
The agency had initially predicted that air quality in Ottawa would improve by Sunday morning; however, that alert has since been extended.
As of 1:15 p. m. on Sunday, yellow-level warnings remain active across a large area of eastern Ontario, primarily south and west of the nation’s capital.
This includes Kingston, Gananoque, Belleville, Quinte West, Perth, Renfrew and many other communities.
The alert is also effective for western Quebec towns north of Gatineau like Chelsea, Val-des-Monts, and Maniwaki.
Source link
