Commonwealth_ Canadians in many provinces this week are facing a double whammy of environmental hardship as local air quality statements persist with ongoing wildfire smoke, and many areas also contend with a wave of scorching heat and humidity.
Environment Canada posted or released special air quality statements over huge expanses of Central Canada, including northern Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The reason for this is the thick smoke drifting from continuous wildfires in the Prairies and northwestern Ontario. The smoke has caused hazy skies, decreased visibility, and difficulty breathing in the region.
Environment Canada is requesting individuals to stay indoors and be aware of smoke inhalation symptoms, from cough, sore throat, and headache to shortness of breath. Environment Canada is urging the very old, infants, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular diseases to take precautions, as they are the most susceptible.
While conditions in much of southern Ontario gradually improved later on Monday, the issue of air quality persisted. Toronto, for example, had its air quality warning downgraded to a special statement because smoke levels did decrease to some degree. But even after the smoke had vanished, local forecasters had to worry about hazy heat.
The city is still under a heat advisory too, with daytime temperatures to continue at 31- to 35-degree-Celsius levels through Thursday. Combined with high humidity, it is going to be especially terrible, making heat illness more of a threat. Citizens are urged to hydrate, take frequent refuge from outdoors, and stay indoors in air conditioning when possible.
Heat warnings have also been issued for several other regions. Northern Lake Huron municipalities and portions of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick are all seeing over-and-above-average heat. In addition to dealing with hot weather, people in many areas of the provinces are also facing dangerous conditions due to constant smoke and haze, making it unsafe to go outside or travel.
The concurrent crisis of record temperatures and wildfire smoke poses a unique challenge for public health workers and residents alike. After experiencing either, Canadians must strike a balance between evacuating from smoke exposure and maintaining a cool environment. Indoor sheltering using closed windows and air conditioning or air-cleansing equipment is optimal.
It is also recommended that public health professionals go and visit at-risk groups, such as the elderly, young children, and lone residents. These visits are also being recommended for cooling centres, community centres, and city public libraries for individuals who are unable to get air-conditioning units at home.
As forest fires annually threaten Canada’s industrial sectors during the summer, this year’s events highlight an emerging trend regarding the frequency and intensity of climate-related occurrences. Persistent drought and more heat had already been cautioned by experts to possibly heighten and extend wildfire season in Canada.
There have been scores of wildfires burning across the country, from provinces in the north and west, to mid-July. Air quality advisories have been in effect for the entire summer due to the constant threat of wildfire smoke. These incidents affect public health as well as strain emergency response networks and local infrastructure.
While heat and smoke warnings are to be expected to persist across much of the country, Canadians are encouraged to monitor local weather and take steps to safeguard their well-being. The arrival of the end of summer coincides with the convergence of several environmental risks, serving as a stark reminder of how climate change is rapidly eroding Canada’s existence.
