Region choked by smoke, air quality statement remains in effect

Smoke continues to roll through the region, including London-Middlesex, Huron-Perth, Oxford, Sarnia-Lambton and Grey-Bruce.

The air quality statement remains in effect for high levels of pollution expected to continue Wednesday because of forest fire smoke.

Plumes from northeastern Ontario and Québec have moved into the area, resulting in deteriorated air quality that can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

"Avoid strenuous outdoor activities... the winds out of the north is ushering in this dense smoke," said CTV News London meteorologist Julie Atchison. "As we move toward the holiday weekend, we are expecting to break out of the smoky pattern on Thursday but not until the afternoon."

The Middlesex-London Health Unit has also issued a statement warning that the air quality for the region is expected to reach 10+ or 'very high risk' on Wednesday.

 

City of London cancels outdoor programming 

As a result of the poor air quality, the City of London has cancelled all outdoor recreation activities for Wednesday. 

All city-operated grass soccer fields, baseball diamonds and cricket pitches are closed, and rentals for those amenities cancelled. The outdoor movie night that was scheduled at Forest Hill Park has also been cancelled. 

Community centres however and most London Public Library branches will remain open on Wednesday including:

• East Lions Community Centre — 1731 Churchill Ave.
• North London Optimist Community Centre — 1345 Cheapside St.
• Canada Games Aquatic Centre — 1045 Wonderland Rd. N.
• South London Community Centre — 1119 Jalna Blvd. 

The city said anyone impacted by the program cancellations will be contacted directly. 

 

Health unit guidance

• Those who are at highest risk for health concerns, notably those who have heart or respiratory problems, should reduce or reschedule any strenuous activities they plan to do outdoors.
• Those who are at lower risk for health concerns may consider reducing or rescheduling any strenuous activities they have planned for outdoors, particularly if they experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
• Organizations may consider rescheduling outdoor athletic activities and events depending on the vulnerabilities of their participants.
• Everyone should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms and reduce or stop their activities if they have trouble breathing.
• Be aware of your mental health. Feeling anxious during an event such as this is normal. If you experience feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA. 

 

Here's a look at the rest of the forecast

Wednesday: Widespread smoke. High 25. UV index 9 or very high.

Wednesday night: Widespread smoke. Low 11.

Thursday: Sunny. Local smoke. High 28. Humidex 31. UV index 9 or very high.

Friday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 29.

Saturday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 25.

Sunday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 27.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 29.