Air quality warning
Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario downgraded an air quality warning for Chatham-Kent from orange to yellow at 5:15 a.m. EDT Saturday, as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario continues to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility in the region.
The warning lists a moderate impact level with high forecast confidence. According to the warning, smoke was causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas early Saturday morning, and after a break of a few hours, poor air quality may return by the evening.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase, the warning states, advising people to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. Residents may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, while more serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Anyone who believes they are having a medical emergency is urged to seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, 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, the warning says.
When indoors, residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, and when an extreme heat event is occurring alongside poor air quality, to prioritize keeping cool. The warning also recommends protecting indoor air from wildfire smoke by using the highest quality air filter a ventilation system can handle, or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If residents 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 exposure to the fine particles in the smoke, though the warning notes that even with reduced exposure, there can still be risks to health.
The warning encourages residents to check in on others in their care or living nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, and to always follow guidance from local authorities.
Residents can learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke, visit airqualityontario.com, or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666. Current and forecast Air Quality Health Index values, along with information on reducing personal health risk, are available at airhealth.ca. Residents are asked to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
Today – July 18, 2026
Mainly cloudy. A few showers with thunderstorms beginning near noon. Local smoke early this morning and late this afternoon. Local amount 10 to 20 mm. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning then becoming northwest 20 gusting to 40 this afternoon. High 29. Humidex 39. UV index 8 or very high.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers this evening. Local smoke. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light overnight. Low 15.
Sun, 19 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. Local smoke in the morning and early in the afternoon. Wind becoming north 20 km/h in the morning. High 25. Humidex 28. UV index 9 or very high. Night – Clear. Low 14.
Mon, 20 Jul – Sunny. High 28. Night – Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 20.
Tue, 21 Jul – Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. High 27. Night – Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 16.
Wed, 22 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. High 25. Night – Cloudy periods. Low 14.
Thu, 23 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. High 26. Night – Cloudy periods. Low 16.
Fri, 24 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. High 28.
