St. Catharines Standard e-edition

Air quality advisory lifted

Wetter weekend weather to provide relief from wildfire smoke

ALLAN BENNER THE ST. CATHARINES STANDARD

While cooler, rainy weather arriving in Niagara has at least temporarily brought some fresh air into the region, there hasn’t been enough of it yet to allow municipalities to lift bans on burning as well as fireworks.

Improved conditions Friday allowed Environment Canada to lift its air quality advisory in Niagara, as air quality health index levels dropped to low to moderate risk — as forest fires continue to burn in northern Ontario and Quebec.

More rain may be arriving bringing more relief to the area, said Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Gerald

Chang during an online media conference Friday morning.

Chang said the weather system scheduled to arrive late Sunday “changes the wind directions, so the winds will be coming from the south.”

The wind has been blowing from the north in the past few days, funnelling the smoke from the wildfires into populated areas of southern Ontario, including Niagara. Chang said the incoming weather system will also bring “much needed rain.”

Meanwhile, open air burning bans imposed earlier this week in communities throughout the region remain in place, while nightly fireworks displays over Niagara Falls will continue to be on hold until at least Sunday.

St. Catharines fire Chief Dave Upper said the burning bans in place in his community and throughout the region are related to the dry conditions rather than the air quality — and the bans should remain in place until those conditions change. He said fire chiefs will meet Monday to reassess the situation.

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2023-06-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://stcatharinesstandard.pressreader.com/article/281530820424967

Toronto Star Newspapers Limited