Saturday, August 13, 2016

Special Air Quality Alerts issued for parts of Nova Scotia and Eastern Prince Edward Island

9:31 PM ADT Saturday 13 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Yarmouth County
Smoke associated with forest fires in the vicinity of Seven Mile Lake and Ten Mile Lake in western Nova Scotia will continue to affect portions of the tri-county area and Queens and Annapolis counties tonight and Sunday. Reduced air quality can be expected downwind and in the vicinity of the smoke plumes. Pollution levels could improve on Sunday depending on the amount of rain the area receives.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

9:32 PM ADT Saturday 13 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Halifax County - east of Porters Lake
Smoke associated with a forest fire near Perch Lake, south of Pictou, will continue to affect parts of Pictou County tonight. Smoke is affecting parts of Halifax County-East of Porters Lake, and will move into parts of Colchester County later tonight. In addition, a southerly flow will develop tonight, moving the plume into eastern Prince Edward Island by Sunday morning. Reduced air quality can be expected near the smoke plumes. Pollution levels are expected to improve on Sunday as rain moves in.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

9:32 PM ADT Saturday 13 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Queens County P.E.I.
Smoke associated with a forest fire near Perch Lake, south of Pictou, will continue to affect parts of Pictou County tonight. Smoke is affecting parts of Halifax County-East of Porters Lake, and will move into parts of Colchester County later tonight. In addition, a southerly flow will develop tonight, moving the plume into eastern Prince Edward Island by Sunday morning. Reduced air quality can be expected near the smoke plumes. Pollution levels are expected to improve on Sunday as rain moves in.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada, the Prince Edward Island Department of Communities, Land and Environment and the Prince Edward Island Department of Health and Wellness.

Heat Wave Day - 08/12/2016

Maine

Augusta

Max: 90°F/32.2°C
Min: 64°F/17.8°C

Gray

Max: 96°F/35.6°C
Min: 67°F/19.4°C

Portland

Max: 99°F/37.2°C*
Min: 66°F/18.9°C

*Denotes a record for the date.