A pair of weather alerts are in effect across Waterloo Region through the midway point of the week, most notably an air quality warning, which has now been upgraded to an orange-level warning, as smoke continues to billow from the forest fires across northern Ontario.
Environment Canada said the smoke has begun trickling down across much of southern Ontario, with poor air quality likely to persist into Thursday.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” said Environment Canada in its statement.
“Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
It said that people more likely to be impacted, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, “should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.”
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” said Environment Canada.
“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”
It comes as those wildfires continue to spread across northern and northwestern Ontario, with residents in a handful of communities under evacuation orders, including Armstrong, and four First Nations.
Officers with Ontario Provincial Police have said that they will be helping with the mandatory evacuation of Gull Bay First Nation in particular, all of which have been told to leave their homes and seek safety immediately.
Back here in Waterloo Region, the air quality warning has been joined by a yellow-level heat warning, which has continued to cook residents throughout the week.
That particular advisory is expected to stretch into Thursday and possibly Friday, which is compounding the concerns in the air quality warning, as hot and humid conditions can also deteriorate air quality.
“Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others,” Environment Canada stated.
“Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.”
The good news is that, by the time Friday rolls around, the current forecast is calling for a chance of showers, continuing into Saturday, which is expected to drop those heightened temperatures down to seasonal norms, while limiting the local concerns from the wildfire smoke.
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