Air quality was considered poor in Saguenay on Friday morning, particularly in Chicoutimi and Arvida. In Lac-Saint-Jean, where the situation was more stable, it was considered acceptable by the instrument that measures particulate matter in the atmosphere on behalf of the government.
However, according to Environment Canada, the amount of smog in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is expected to increase over the weekend. Air quality will be poor in Lac-Saint-Jean at least until Sunday.
On the Saguenay side, air quality remained acceptable on Friday evening but is expected to deteriorate from Saturday.
Health Effects
According to meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin, the smoke plume is expected to thicken over the region on Saturday and Sunday, which could pose an increased health risk due to fine particles.
This cloud can be much denser in terms of the concentration of fine particles and therefore poses an increased health risk. The concentration is sufficient to create health problems, explained Mr Bégin.
smog warning
Smog primarily affects children with asthma and people with respiratory or heart diseases. As such, they are advised to avoid intense physical activity outdoors until the smog warning is lifted, Environment Canada reminds.
Warm weather is also expected through Tuesday. Temperatures will be particularly high on Saturday. Thunderstorms are possible during the day.
With information from Maxime Hébert-Lévesque