Poor Air Quality in Ottawa This Saturday Due to Wildfire Smoke
Ottawa is facing moderate health risks from poor air quality this weekend, with smoke from wildfires drifting in from Western Canada. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) hit level 5 in the city on Saturday morning, down from a dangerous 10+ “very high risk” level on Friday afternoon.
A special air quality statement remains in effect for eastern Ontario and western Quebec, according to Environment Canada.
Health Officials Urge Caution as Smoke Lingers
The smoke, tracked on FireSmoke.ca, continues to affect large parts of Ontario, Quebec, and western New York State. Environment Canada warns that health risks increase as smoke levels rise.
“Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events,” the agency advised.
Common symptoms include:
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- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Mild cough
Less common but serious symptoms may include:
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Severe coughing
People at higher risk include:
- Seniors
- Pregnant individuals
- Children
- Those with heart or lung conditions
- Outdoor workers
How to Protect Yourself
Officials recommend the following:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Use a portable air cleaner or HVAC filter
- Wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator if going outside
- Check AirHealth.ca for more information
Ottawa Weather Forecast
- Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud, high of 25°C, low of 10°C
- Sunday: Sunny with a high of 24°C, low of 15°C, chance of overnight showers
- Monday: High of 22°C, with increasing chance of rain (40–60%)
The average for this time of year in Ottawa is a high of 23°C and a low of 13°C.
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Elsewhere in Ontario: Toronto Records World’s Worst Air Quality
On Friday, Toronto briefly had the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir, a global air monitoring firm. Levels in the GTA reached above 10, considered “very high risk.”
Environment Canada’s warnings remain in place for:
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Vaughan
- Durham Region
- Barrie, Gravenhurst, and other towns in central Ontario
Schools, including those under the TDSB, are limiting outdoor activities. Residents are advised to stay indoors and monitor symptoms closely.
How are you dealing with the poor air quality in your area this weekend? Let us know in the comments.
More…
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/poor-air-quality-with-moderate-risk-level-in-ottawa-this-saturday
- https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2170338/air-quality-in-toronto-among-worst-in-the-world-amid-wildfire-smoke-global-tracker-shows
- https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/06/06/toronto-briefly-records-worlds-worst-air-quality-as-it-continues-to-see-effects-from-wildfire-smoke
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