Severe heat and deteriorating air conditions trigger safety alerts nationwide in Canada
This weekend, Canada is grappling with a double threat of extreme heat and widespread wildfire smoke, leading to heat and air quality warnings across the nation.
The intense heat is causing daytime temperatures to rise above 30°C, with humidex values reaching 35 to 40, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Meanwhile, the smoke from hundreds of ongoing wildfires is causing hazardous air quality across much of Canada.
The 2025 wildfire season is the second-worst on record, with over 700 active fires, many out of control, mainly in Manitoba and other southern provinces. The smoke from these fires is affecting air quality not only in Canada but also in parts of the northern U.S.
Large parts of Ontario, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and smaller Canadian communities near fires are experiencing the worst smoke pollution. Some smoke levels are up to ten times more toxic than normal urban pollution.
The heat and smoke hazards pose several health risks. Heat warnings have been issued due to the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and severe fatigue. Air quality warnings note unhealthy or very unhealthy levels, posing respiratory risks, especially for sensitive groups and those with heart or lung conditions. Wildfire smoke can cause irritated eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, and may trigger serious health events in vulnerable populations.
To protect oneself from heat-related illness and poor air quality effects, the public is advised to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, limit outdoor activities, use air conditioning, close blinds or shades, and move to a cooler area of living space if necessary. If experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
It's important to note that people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, but everyone's health is at risk.
In addition, rainfall warnings have been issued in provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, with heavy rain expected to last through Sunday. Heavy rain can cause flash floods, water pooling on roads, localized flooding in low-lying areas, and reduce visibility while driving.
Individuals in affected areas are advised to avoid strenuous activities outdoors, reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities, and events, and seek medical attention in the event of a medical emergency. When indoors, protecting your indoor air from wildfire smoke is recommended by keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system, and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
Environment Canada has issued warnings in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador due to poor air quality from wildfires.
Symptoms of heat stroke can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and a change in consciousness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark-coloured urine, and intense fatigue. Mild symptoms of exposure to wildfire smoke may include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough.
In summary, this weekend’s heat and air quality warnings in Canada stem from intense heat combined with thick wildfire smoke from an exceptionally severe wildfire season, impacting large regions nationwide. Public health guidance emphasizes hydration, limiting outdoor exposure, and protecting vulnerable individuals from heat and smoke hazards.
- The ongoing wildfire smoke in Canada, particularly from the second-worst wildfire season on record, is causing poor air quality, which can irritate eyes, cause coughing, and trigger serious health events in vulnerable populations.
- Climate-change-induced heat waves, such as the current one in Canada, pose several health risks like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and severe fatigue.
- Given the adverse effects of both extreme heat and wildfire smoke on health, it's essential to stay indoors, limit outdoor sports and activities, protect indoor air quality, and follow public health guidance to minimize risks during this challenging weather situation.
