An air quality statement has been issued to cities and regions across Ontario, saying there is a chance of high levels of air pollution on Wednesday.
There will be hot and sunny conditions in Pickering, Oshawa, Southern Durham Region, Belleville, Quinte, Northumberland, Kingston, Prince Edward, Lindsay, Southern Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough City, Southern Peterborough County and Lakefield.
Throughout the day, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is expected to be moderate, but in the afternoon it has the “potential of short-term high risk AQHI values,” according to Environment Canada.
They said the heat is expected to cause “increasing ground-level ozone concentrations.”
Residents of the affected cities and regions can experience increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
Children, seniors and anyone with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk, Environment Canada said. They suggested reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if anyone develops symptoms.
Environment Canada said they will issue another statement after the AQHI forecast has reached the high risk category for one or two hours.
