Special air quality statement lifted for the city of Ottawa

A person wears a mask as they walk along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Forest fire smoke continue to shroud the Nations Capital and triggering air quality advisoryies. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The smoke cleared from the skies over Ottawa for the opening day of the beach season.

A special air quality statement ended for the capital Saturday morning, as the smoky haze from wildfires burning in Quebec moved out of the region.

Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index listed Ottawa's air quality at 1 – 'low risk' at 10 a.m.

Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says after Ottawa saw smoky conditions on Friday and Saturday morning, conditions will improve through the rest of the weekend.

"We still have that in the forecast today, less so as we get through the weekend. I think tonight it will be much clearer; less of a risk of having that poor air quality. Tomorrow, also less and less," Phillips told Newstalk 580 CFRA's CFRA Live with Andrew Pinsent.

"I think Monday we're going to really see more southerly winds; so this is really the more kind of typical winds. That smoke will go elsewhere."

Phillips says some rain will help clear the smoke out of the national capital region this weekend.

A smog warning ended for the city of Gatineau.

The improvement in the air quality readings on Saturday allowed the city of Gatineau to open outdoor swimming pools and resume recreational and cultural activities outdoors.  Activities at outdoor sports fields have also resumed.

Wildfire smoke has been moving through the national capital region over the past two weeks. When wildfire smoke created hazy orange skies in Ottawa last week, the air quality index reached 10+.

Ottawa forecast

The Environment Canada forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday, with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 23 C, with the humidex making it feel like 25 degrees.

Cloudy tonight with a chance of showers. Low 15 C.

Sunday will start with a mix of sun and cloud. Environment Canada says there is a 70 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon, with the risk of a thunderstorm. High 25 C.

The outlook for Monday calls for mainly cloudy with a chance of showers. High 23 C.

Tuesday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 24 C.