After weeks of clean(er) air, smoky skies will return to Niagara

Environment Canada is saying the smoky skies will be back in Niagara today (July 17) and tonight.

That means the Air Quality Health Index will show some moderate risk for anyone doing outdoor activities.

The weather agency has called for “Local smoke” during the day and over the evening but the good news is the rest of the week has no smoke warning from the wildfires in northeast Ontario and Quebec.

So far, it’s been weeks since Niagara had a smoke warning. Just a month ago, those conditions were at their peak, often crossing into the “high risk” category.

For most residents, that means keeping outdoor activities to a lower rate unless they experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation

However at-risk residents (those with asthma particularly) are asked to stay inside.

As shown in the chart below, Niagara peaked overnight but is expected to return to those levels later today.