SunshineandRainbows

#ONStorm #ONwx 💨 No, Air Quality Is Not Expected to Significantly Improve in Southwestern Ontario Today We wanted to address some misinformation circulating from a certain event taking place in the London area regarding today’s air quality. The event is claiming that “conditions are improving” as justification for continuing with tonight’s outdoor activities. However, the current forecast and observations simply do not support that conclusion. The only part of Southern Ontario expected to see meaningful improvement today is across portions of Central and Eastern Ontario, where shifting winds will gradually push the northern edge of the smoke plume southwestward. That should allow air quality to slowly improve in areas such as Ottawa, Brockville, Kingston, Peterborough, Muskoka, North Bay and Sudbury. Notice London isn’t on that list. Based on the latest data, Southwestern Ontario is expected to be one of the last areas to see the smoke clear. Thick ground-level smoke is expected to persist through this afternoon and evening, with poor air quality likely lingering into tonight. Some smoke may even remain into Friday across parts of Deep Southwestern Ontario. It’s true that AQI values around London are lower than they were overnight, when some stations exceeded 500. However, readings dropped to around 150 this morning and have already begun climbing again, with many locations now back above 200. Those are normal fluctuations as the smoke shifts, but they should not be interpreted as conditions becoming safe. A drop from an AQI of 500 to 200 is certainly an improvement, but an AQI of 200 is still considered very unhealthy. It’s similar to saying a Category 5 hurricane is no longer dangerous because it weakened to a Category 2. The risk has decreased, but it’s still a dangerous situation. For prolonged outdoor activities to become reasonably safe, we would need to see AQI values fall much lower and remain there for an extended period. We’re simply not there yet. Environment Canada continues to have an Orange Air Quality Warning in effect for the region. Their guidance specifically states: “Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.” That’s about as clear as it gets. We provide weather support for another outdoor event in the area, and based on the same forecast, we’ve recommended they move today’s and tomorrow’s activities indoors. We hope organizers continue to monitor conditions closely and reconsider if necessary. When air quality reaches hazardous levels, protecting the health of attendees should always be the top priority. - Brennen

Moments ago: Premier Ford suggests once again that the only people who care about his government’s FOI restrictions are the “media party.”

Early in the pandemic, frequent testing helped us understand and slow the spread of COVID-19. In 2024 we know more about the virus and how it spreads. Most of us have either been immunized or had the infection – or both. And we know what to do to do if we feel unwell with respiratory symptoms. Now, the strategy has changed and have moved to a “test to treat” approach. Most people don’t need a COVID test, but those at higher risk may still need to test to get the right treatment. Visit the link in our bio to learn more. . . #MLHU #LondonOnt #MiddlesexCounty #StayHomeIfSick #TestToTreat #RespiratoryHealth