Wildfire Smoke Expected to Return to Peterborough Today
/By Scott Arnold
Air quality has improved across the Peterborough area Friday morning, but Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is expected to return later today.
Blue skies greeted Peterborough Friday morning before wildfire smoke was expected to return later in the day (photos by scott arnold)
In its latest update, issued at 6:40 am, Environment Canada said smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is expected to move back into the region later today or this evening, bringing very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Poor air quality could continue into the weekend.
As smoke levels increase, Environment Canada is encouraging residents to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
Health officials say smoke can affect everyone, but older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing health conditions and those who work outdoors are at greater risk. Those individuals should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and a mild cough. More serious symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough, require immediate medical attention.
Air quality improved Friday morning, offering clearer skies across Peterborough ahead of the expected return of wildfire smoke. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Clearer conditions were seen over Peterborough Friday morning as Environment Canada warned smoke could return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Peterborough woke up to blue skies Friday, but poor air quality is expected to return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Friday morning brought improved air quality and clearer skies to Peterborough, though conditions may not last. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Blue skies were visible across Peterborough Friday morning before wildfire smoke was forecast to move back into the area. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Clear skies returned to Peterborough Friday morning, with wildfire smoke expected to increase later in the day. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
A break from the smoke brought clearer skies to Peterborough early Friday, according to Environment Canada. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Improved air quality made for a clearer start to Friday in Peterborough before smoke was expected to return. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Peterborough enjoyed a clearer start to the day Friday, though deteriorating air quality is expected later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Blue skies were on display over Peterborough Friday morning as air quality temporarily improved. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Clear conditions greeted Peterborough Friday morning, but wildfire smoke could return by this evening. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Friday began with clearer skies across Peterborough as smoke temporarily eased. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Improved conditions offered a brief glimpse of blue skies over Peterborough Friday morning. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Peterborough residents woke up to clearer skies Friday, with Environment Canada warning that smoke may return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
The smoke lifted enough for blue skies to return Friday morning, but the improvement is expected to be temporary. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
