Wildfire smoke dissipates as storms hit region

The smoky air hanging overthe Ottawa area gradually cleared on Monday as severe thunderstorms arrivedlate in the afternoon.

The air quality in Ottawa wasvery high-risk on Sunday afternoon and eveing, the highest level on theAir Quality Health Index.

Itdopped to high-risk overnight,then improved to moderate risk by Monday afternoon and is expected to become low-risk Mondayevening. It's a similar story in Gatineau, Que., and Cornwall, Ont. Air quality in other parts of eastern Ontario includingthe Belleville and Kingston areas is normal.

People should take precautionswhen pollution levels reachhigh and very high risk, according to Environment Canada. That meansreducing or avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, keeping windows shut and running air purifiers. Some residents may choose to wear an N95-type face mask while outdoors to filter smoke particles.

The City of Ottawa planned to reopen outdoor pools, resume outdoor recreation programs and allow for swimming at beaches at 4 p.m., but thunderstorms could affect that plan.

The Renfrew County District School Board said itis keeping students inside Monday because of the air quality.

Severe thunderstorm

Environment Canada has smog warningsin place forGatineau and communities to its north and east. Special air quality statements cover the rest of the region, except for the Kingston and Belleville areas.

A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec, minus the Belleville area. Wind, hail and downpours arrived before 4 p.m., along with lightning,

Forest fires in and around the capital region, particularly further north in Quebec, have been affecting air quality and causing community evacuations for most of June.

• Check theCBC News Climate Dashboardfor live updates on weather, includingsmoke and fires.

There arefire bans across western Quebec and in parts of eastern Ontario where that province issues them. Ottawa also has a burn ban in effect.

The local fire risk is generally low where it's measured by the two provinces, but it remains extreme west of Val d'Or, Que., where many fires are concentrated.