Smog & heat warning for Montreal as many air quality advisories in effect across Canada

Special air quality weather advisories due to wildfire smoke remain in effect in many parts of the country, and in some places, including Montreal, the heat is also present.

Much of central Canada, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan were placed under special air quality alerts or warnings on Monday due to smoke from wildfires raging across the Prairies and northern Ontario.

Air quality warnings for some areas, including Toronto, were downgraded to special weather statements later Monday as conditions improved somewhat.

Southern Quebec is also under a special weather statement from Environment Canada regarding poor air quality. A heat warning has been added for the Outaouais, Greater Montreal, Lanaudière, Montérégie, Estrie, the Quebec City region, and Mauricie.

As of Tuesday morning, Montreal and Toronto were among the 10 cities in the world with the most polluted air, according to IQAir.

In the Atlantic provinces, heat warnings are in effect in parts of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Environment Canada recommends that residents in areas affected by smoke warnings or advisories limit their time outdoors and remain alert for symptoms of smoke exposure.

The federal agency adds that in the event of a heatwave accompanied by poor air quality, it’s important to find ways to stay cool.

Ride Laval busses for 1$

Due to the smog alert, the Société de transport de Laval (STL) said that customers will be able to take the bus for $1.

“Launched in 2008, the STL’s annual smog alert program is unique in Canada,” they said in a news release. “It aims to promote the use of public transit over cars when air quality deteriorates below acceptable standards.”

This special fare is in effect all day on the STL’s regular network which includes buses and shared taxis.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews