Smoke from forest fires in the Canadian Prairies is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by tomorrow.###As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

A prolonged period of extreme heat and humidity continues.What:Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 35 to 40.Overnight lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat.When:Continuing through Thursday.Additional information:Gatineau will experience hot and humid conditions now through much of this week. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria. A shift in the weather pattern late this week will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity Thursday night.During times of high heat, your health and the health of your family and friends can deteriorate rapidly.The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, recommends that you protect yourself from the effects of the heat by taking the following actions:Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day even before feeling thirsty. As appropriate, follow your physician's instructions regarding the amount of fluid to drink;Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine; If you can, spend at least 2 hours a day in an air conditioned or cool place;Take at least one cool shower or bath per day, or cool your skin several times per day with wet towels;Limit physical activities;Wear light clothes.Be sure to:Never leave a child or a baby alone in a vehicle or a poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes;Check on and be ready to help your loved ones, especially those who are vulnerable, disabled, mentally ill or live alone.Remember that heat can also affect the health of pets.If you have any questions regarding your health, call Info-Santé by dialling 8-1-1 or ask a health care provider. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.For more information, see the Portail santé mieux-être du gouvernement du Québec at www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/en.###For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.htmlPlease continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #QCStorm.