Wildfire smoke to cause poor air quality in Ottawa today

A sailboat and a windsurfer in the Ottawa River near Britannia Beach on Wednesday. (Maddison De Varennes/CTV News Ottawa)

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario is expected to drift back into Ottawa today, creating smoky conditions and poor air quality.

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Warning – Air Quality for Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley and eastern Ontario, warning smoky conditions will return today.

“Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility,” the weather agency said in a statement.

“Conditions may improve for some areas later today. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”

• ‘Some of the worst air quality we ever experience’: Smoky conditions persist in Toronto. Live updates here.

The Air Quality Health Index is expected to increase to 5-Moderate risk today, before dropping to 3-Low Risk this evening.

An Orange Warning – Air Quality is in effect for the Greater Toronto Area and parts of southern Ontario. The advisory is in effect for the area from Cobourg west to Toronto, London and Windsor.

The Air Quality Health Index is 10-Very High Risk in the Toronto area today.

Relief from the heat

Ottawa residents and tourists will receive some relief from the heat, with below-seasonal daytime highs expected through the weekend.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 26 C today, with daytime highs of 25 C on Friday, 21 C on Saturday and 25 C on Sunday.

The normal daytime high for this time of year is 27 C.

The forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud today with a 40 per cent chance of showers this afternoon. There is a risk of a thunderstorm. High 26 C.

It will be clear tonight. Low 14 C.

Friday will be sunny. High 25 C.

Saturday will see mainly cloudy conditions with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 21 C.

The outlook for Sunday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 25 C.

Monday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 27 C.

Environment Canada lifted the heat warning for Ottawa on Wednesday afternoon.

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsOttawa.ca weather hub