If you’ve stepped outside in Montreal today and noticed the haze, you’re not imagining it — the air really is hard to breathe right now.
Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the entire Montreal Island area, warning that wildfire smoke from the Canadian Prairies is drifting in and will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility through Friday and possibly into Saturday.
According to IQAir.com, a website that tracks air quality in various cities, Montreal is one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world today, ranking ahead of Delhi, India and Manila, Philippines.
The air quality is so bad that vulnerable groups — including seniors, young kids, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic illness — are being urged to avoid outdoor activities altogether. Even healthy people could experience symptoms like headaches, throat irritation, or coughing.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” the government warns.
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors shut
- Use a portable air purifier or a clean filter in your HVAC system
- Reschedule outdoor sports or events
- If you must be outside, wear an N95 mask for better protection
Symptoms to watch out for include coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or eye and throat irritation. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, seek help immediately.
Environment Canada also urges Montrealers to check in on neighbours or family members who might be more sensitive to the air conditions.
You can follow updates on the federal wildfire smoke page or keep an eye on weather alerts issued for your area.
Visibility in Montreal as of 9 a.m. was down to 8 km, with hazy skies and a humidex of 23. If the air looks bad, it probably is — best to stay inside and wait it out.
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