Poor air quality as hundreds of fires burn across Quebec

An unnatural view of the sun on Tuesday morning over Montreal. Smoke from over 150 wildfires burning in Quebec, is resulting in poor air quality as far west as Toronto and as far south as New York City. (Valley Weather Photo)

Smog Warning posted for southern Quebec, with Air Quality Advisories in effect for eastern Ontario, New England and New York.

The record warm and dry weather of the last week or so has taken a toll on the Quebec forest fire season. The province is now reporting over 153 fires, many burning out of control. The amount of hectares covered has exploded to 223,877, well-above the ten year average for the date. There have been 434 fires since the start of the year in Quebec. Nearly 10,000 residents have been forced from their homes, especially in the hard-hit Abitibi, Cote-Nord and Saquenay regions.

While strong low pressure did bring rain to eastern parts of the province, the western portion remains bone dry. The low pressure produced gusty north and northeast winds that have driven dense smoke into Ontario, southern Quebec and as far south as New York City. Very poor air quality is producing spectacular sky conditions but also contributing to increase in repository and health issues.

SOPFEU map of the more than 150 fires currently burning across Quebec. Each red icon represents a fire burning out of control. (SOPFEU)

What we need now is rain. To date, Montreal has had only 0.2mm recorded at Trudeau Airport for June. Last month we measured only half the normal rainfall. A soaking rain would help firefighters gain some ground in the province. Nearly 480 firefighters are on the ground, helped by at least 200 Canadian Armed Forces. Resources are being requested from other parts of Canada, the US and as far away as France and Costa Rica.

Thousands have been evacuated in the province as one of the worst fire seasons on record continues. (Radio Canada)

The weather system we had last Thursday, produced very little rainfall, with plenty of lightning and gusty winds, the perfect ingredients to start and spread wildfires quickly. Currently a province wide burn ban remains in effect.

The balance of the week is forecast to be cooler, with scattered showers at times and perhaps a ruble of thunder. While we are not expected a huge quantities of precipitation, any amount at this time would help.

With hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada, authorities fear this may be the worst fire season on record for the country.