You can add wildfire smoke to hot and humid conditions in Stratford and Perth County, creating a perfect storm of dangerous conditions.
The smoke from northern Ontario forest fires is impacting many communities in southern Ontario, leading to poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special air quality statement for the region. Many communities throughout Perth County are impacted.
Temperatures were forecast to hit 30 degrees Celsius today, with the humidex at 38. It’s expected to hit 31 degrees on Tuesday, with the humidex at 36.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.airhealth.ca or www.airqualityontario.com for current and forecasted air quality health index (AQHI) values, information on health risks, and recommended actions to reduce exposure to air pollution and protect health.
There are no federal air quality monitoring stations in Huron or Perth counties, but stations in London and Kitchener were both at a 7, or high risk, on Monday afternoon.
Huron Perth Public Health has a limited supply of N95 respirators available to residents who are at high risk for respiratory problems when wildfire smoke results in poor air quality.
For more information contact Huron Perth Public Health.