It’s a smoky morning.
Environment Canada has issued a pair of weather alerts.
The first is a Special Air Quality Statement:
“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
“Smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario has moved into the area, causing the air quality to deteriorate.
“The poor air quality may persist through the day and possibly into Tuesday for some areas.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
“People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
“Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
“Always follow guidance from local authorities.”
The second weather alert is a Heat Warning:
“Southern Ontario will experience hot and humid conditions now through much of this week. A shift in the weather pattern late this week will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity Thursday night.
“Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
“Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
“Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.
“Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
“Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.
“Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.
“Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
“Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
“Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.”
Here is your Milton forecast for this new week, per Environment Canada:
| Date | Detailed Forecast |
|---|---|
| Today | Sunny this morning then a mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon. Local smoke. High 32. Humidex 40. UV index 9 or very high. |
| Tonight | Partly cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers early this evening. Otherwise clear. Risk of a thunderstorm early this evening. Hazy. Low 20. |
| Tue, 15 Jul | Sunny. Hazy. High 32. Humidex 37. UV index 9 or very high. |
| Night | Cloudy periods. Low 21. |
| Wed, 16 Jul | A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers. High 31. |
| Night | Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 22. |
| Thu, 17 Jul | Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 29. |
| Night | Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 19. |
| Fri, 18 Jul | A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of showers. High 25. |
| Night | Cloudy periods with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 15. |
| Sat, 19 Jul | A mix of sun and cloud. High 26. |
| Night | Cloudy periods. Low 17. |
| Sun, 20 Jul | A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of showers. High 26. |
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
