A smog warning is in effect in Montreal, although the air quality is deemed “acceptable”. The situation will recover on Saturday due to the rain, predicts Environment Canada.
Environment Canada anticipates fluctuations in air quality in the Montreal region on Friday. The metropolis has been struggling with episodes of smog for several days due to the forest fires raging in northern Quebec.
Awareness meteorologist at Environment Canada, Jean-Philippe Bégin asks Montrealers to stay on the lookout. “When it smells like smoke outside, it’s not time to go jogging,” he warns.
According to Environment Canada, the smog warning for Montreal will be lifted on Saturday due to heavy rain from the northeastern United States.
When it rains, the fine particles responsible for smog stick to the raindrops, which bring them to the ground, thereby cleaning the atmosphere.
At the same time, the winds will push the smoke from Montreal towards the Outaouais, where the air quality, already considered “poor”, will worsen, according to Environment Canada. Air quality is also considered “poor” in the Laurentians region, which receives winds from areas affected by forest fires. Jean-Philippe Bégin recommends avoiding any outdoor activity in these two regions.
Nord-du-Québec and Abitibi are still affected by powerful forest fires.