Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Smoke from wildfires will reduce local air quality. Locations: Halifax, Lunenburg, Kings, and Hants Counties Short range wind forecast: Winds southwesterly 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning becoming light tonight. Remarks: Smoke from a wildfire near the Long Lake area of Annapolis county will reduce air quality downwind. Smoke conditions may vary locally as wind and fire behaviour changes. The smoke plume will settle into Kings and Hants Counties this afternoon as winds are shifting to the southwest. Air quality is expected to improve this afternoon in parts of Lunenburg and Halifax counties with these southwest winds, but likely diminish again early Wednesday morning as winds become light overnight. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. ### As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. Visit http://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.
