Environment Canada issues special air quality statement amid heat warning in Hamilton, Halton

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Hamilton and Halton areas Monday, while the region is already under an extended heat warning.

“It’s a double-whammy right now,” said David Phillips, a climatologist. “You have the heat and humidity, but you’re also dealing with the smoke.”

“It’s really the combination of the three that makes for unhealthy conditions,” said Phillips.

The air quality across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is ranked within the top five worst in the world, as smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario and Manitoba drifts south.

Officials say there are 564 wildfires currently burning across the country.

The province’s air quality index showed Hamilton reaching a level 10 at 10 a.m., and hovering around a level 8 for most of the afternoon.

A haze could be seen over the Golden Horseshoe, and the smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Environment Canada advises to limit time outdoors, consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events during a special air quality statement.

The government agency also says to stay indoors if possible and to keep windows shut.

They say most of the wildfire smoke should clear by Tuesday, but the heat will linger until around Thursday.

“In the long term, what we’re seeing this summer is a sign of what the weather forecast is going to look like years to come from now,” said Phillips.

There is an extended heat warning for regions in southern Ontario including Hamilton, Halton and Niagara.

READ MORE: Heat warning issued for southern Ontario, expected to last into Thursday