Wildfire smoke expected to drift back into Ottawa this weekend

The Rideau River at the Vimy Memorial Bridge in Ottawa on Thursday, July 16. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario is expected to drift back into the national capital region this weekend.

Environment Canada’s forecast is calling for “local smoke” on Saturday.

The Air Quality Health Index calls for Ottawa to be at 3-Low Risk today, increasing to 5-Moderate Risk on Friday night and 7-High Risk on Saturday.

A Yellow Warning-Air Quality remains in effect for the Kingston area today.

Environment Canada says air quality conditions have improved in Kingston, but smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario will return later today, “resulting in very poor air quality and reduced visibility.”

“Poor air quality may persist into the weekend.”

An Orange Warning-Air Quality remains in effect for most of southern Ontario from Oshawa to Toronto, Kitchener, London and Windsor.

Ottawa forecast

Cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected in Ottawa this weekend, with the risk of rain tonight and on Saturday.

It will be mainly sunny today. High 25 C.

The forecast says there will be increasing cloudiness tonight with a 60 per cent chance of showers overnight. There is a risk of a thunderstorm. Low 16 C.

Saturday will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm. High 25 C with the humidex making it feel like 33.

Sunshine returns on Sunday. High 23 C.

The outlook for Monday calls for sunshine. High 23 C.

Tuesday will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers. High 23 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 27 C and a low of 16 C

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsOttawa.ca weather hub