‘Hazy’ skies in Ottawa persisting, Environment Canada says
Posted Jun 3, 2025 03:35:50 PM.
Last Updated Jun 4, 2025 12:35:23 PM.
Warmer weather has finally reached the nation’s capital, but with it, there is lower air quality due to the thousands of kilometres of land burning out west.
The start of June was marked by unusually cooler weather, with people still donning long sleeves and pants in the city. However, Tuesday was the first day it felt like summer as temperatures reached 28 C, with a humidex.
Environment Canada says that wind from the south is bringing wildfire smoke to the city, creating “hazy” skies.
On Wednesday, the agency says the air quality index is at a moderate risk to people. It is calling for similar temperatures, a high of 33 C, with the humidity, and the persisting hazy conditions.
There is a risk of a thunderstorm late Wednesday evening, bringing the low to 17 C.
According to FireSmoke.ca, an online website tracking wildfire smoke in Canada, the hazy conditions are likely to press into Thursday.
Wildfires grow in western Canada
Manitoba is an epicenter of the wildfires as more than 17,000 people have been displaced in the past week, including all 5,000 residents of Flin Flon.
People are seeking shelter in Brandon, The Pas and the province’s capital. Manitoba is currently under a state of emergency due to the fires.
Manitoba had 25 active wildfires as of Sunday, including eight considered out of control.
Thousands of others have been affected by wildfires in Saskatchewan and Alberta, ignited by hot, dry weather that has allowed some fires to grow and threaten communities.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said all of Confederation has come together to help out the three Prairie provinces.
“Many others around this table are consistently reaching out to the three of us to offer resources,” he said. “And for that, we’re very grateful.”
As of Monday, 18 fires are actively burning in Saskatchewan. Evacuation orders have been issued for many areas in the north, including Pelican Narrows, East Trout Lake and the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
Alberta has seen nearly 5,000 people evacuated. There are 26 out-of-control fires in the province.
