🔥 Trending Ottawa Air Quality Alert: Wildfire Smoke Causes Haze

Ottawa is currently experiencing poor air quality due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec ²⁵. This situation is expected to persist throughout today, July 12, 2026 ².

Current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

As of 6:00 AM EDT on July 12, 2026, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Ottawa Downtown is reported as ¹:

• Current AQHI: Not explicitly stated as a number, but described as "poor air quality" ².
• Forecast Maximums for Today:
• Morning: Not specified, but likely poor.
• Afternoon: Not specified, but likely poor.
• Evening: Not specified, but likely poor.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow Warning for Air Quality in Ottawa, effective as of 5:25 AM EDT on July 12, 2026 ⁵.

Health Risks and Recommendations

The smoke from the wildfires is causing reduced visibility and increasing health risks ². Residents are advised to take precautions:

• Limit Time Outdoors: Reduce the amount of time spent outside ².
• Reschedule Activities: Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events ².
• Protect Indoor Air:
• Use the highest quality air filter your ventilation system can handle ⁴.
• Utilize a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles ⁴.
• Stay Cool: If an extreme heat event occurs alongside poor air quality, prioritizing cooling is important ⁴.

Cause of Poor Air Quality

The primary cause of the current poor air quality in Ottawa is smoke originating from forest fires in Quebec ². This smoke is being carried into the Ottawa region, leading to elevated levels of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air.