Smog warning lifted for Montreal, severe thunderstorm warning in effect

A smog warning that was in effect for Montreal for most of the day Monday because of the Quebec wildfires was lifted at 4 p.m.

Monday morning, Montreal was also still listed for a second day as the city with the world’s worst air quality, according to a website that tracks air quality and pollution in major cities across the globe.

Montreal’s air quality index (AQI) was at 155 Monday morning – labelled unhealthy – on IQAir’s ranking of 95 cities. But the situation improved throughout the day, by Monday afternoon Montreal was listed 17 on the list.

The City of Montreal announced that its outdoor sports facilities would reopen and that its outdoor cultural activities would resume as of noon on Monday.

Environment Canada also issued a special weather statement for the Montreal area for Monday and Tuesday for severe thunderstorms.

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“Rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 millimetres are expected in some areas on Monday; however, local amounts in excess of 50 millimetres are possible in thunderstorms. The same scenario may occur on Tuesday,” the statement said.

Rain is in the forecast for much of Quebec  which could help with firefighting efforts.

In addition to the evacuations in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, others are underway in certain sectors of Senneterre and Val-d’Or, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as well as Mistissini and the community of Valcanton, in Northern Quebec.

There are smog warnings still in effect for several regions across the province including Gatineau, The Eastern Townships, Drummondville, Quebec City, Beach and Abitibi.