The National Day long weekend ends with a fairly sunny temperature, but above all marked by a smog warning that affects the majority of the province, due to forest fires.
• Read also: Fires in Quebec: we may have to evacuate Chibougamau again
• Read also: “Are you going to do this all summer?”: Quebecers still have to evacuate their homes due to forest fires
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The weather will also be very humid for some regions. This is particularly the case for the greater Montreal area, which will have sunny weather and which will be close to 35 degrees with the humidity factor, according to Environment Canada predictions.
The Laurentians, the Capitale-Nationale and the Baie-Comeau sector will have the chance to have sun for the day, before receiving precipitation at the beginning of the week. However, the Quebec region will be affected by widespread smoke in the morning.
Other regions will instead witness an alternation of sun and clouds, such as Montérégie, Outaouais, Estrie and the Sept-Îles sector. Risks of showers and thunderstorms are also on the menu.
Citizens who live in areas hardest hit by wildfires will have to live with widespread smoke, according to Environment Canada. This temperature will mainly target Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
The smog warning issued by Environment Canada will also concern the cities of Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec and their surroundings. It will therefore affect almost the entire province.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the air quality index in your city and what are the health recommendations derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
Bad
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Great day to be active outdoors.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to fine particle pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to slow down.
All the others : Great day to be active outdoors.
AQI: BAD for sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and adolescents, minority populations and outdoor workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.
AQI: BAD for everyone
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain a reduced activity level. Follow tips for keeping particulate levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.