The Ottawa-Gatineau region continues to experience poor air quality due to drifting wildfire smoke from Western Canada. Environment Canada has maintained special air quality statements, though the risk level has lowered from 'very high' on Friday to 'moderate' on Saturday. Health warnings remain in effect across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Poor air quality, moderate risk level still affecting Ottawa-Gatineau
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Ottawa-Gatineau region continues to experience poor air quality due to drifting wildfire smoke from Western Canada. Environment Canada has maintained special air quality statements, though the risk level has lowered from 'very high' on Friday to 'moderate' on Saturday. Health warnings remain in effect across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Trending- 1 Wildfires rage across Western Canada (B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
- 2 Friday, June 6, 2025 (inferred): Environment Canada issues special air quality statements for most of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, eastern Ontario, and western Quebec. Air Quality Health Index in downtown Ottawa reaches 10+ (very high).
- 3 Saturday, June 7, 2025 (inferred): Air Quality Health Index for downtown Ottawa is 6 (moderate risk). Statements are lifted for Kingston but remain in place for other affected areas.
- Health risks for residents, especially vulnerable populations (e.g., respiratory issues, sore throat, headache, cough)
- Advisories to limit time outdoors and reschedule outdoor activities
- Widespread air quality warnings across eastern Ontario and western Quebec
What: Poor air quality due to drifting wildfire smoke is affecting the Ottawa-Gatineau region and surrounding areas.
When: Friday, June 6, 2025 (inferred) and Saturday, June 7, 2025 (inferred).
Where: Ottawa-Gatineau region, eastern Ontario, western Quebec, including Kingston, Smith's Falls, and stretching towards Georgian Bay and the Quebec-U.S. border. Wildfires are raging across Western Canada (B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
Why: Wildfire smoke from blazes across Western Canada is being carried eastward by atmospheric conditions.
How: Smoke plumes from distant wildfires are drifting over the region, causing elevated Air Quality Health Index levels.