Western heat wave to impact parts of Ontario with smoky skies

The clean and clear start to the summer in Ontario will take a turn in the coming days, thanks in part to the extreme heat in Western Canada and the United States.

The stifling and persistent heat dome parked over parts of western Canada and the western U.S. have sparked some significant wildfires in the region due to the heat and dry conditions in the area.

CANADA’S WILDFIRES: Visit The Weather Network’s wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active start to wildfire season across Canada.

As of Friday, 331 wildfires are currently burning in B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan alone. A weakening ridge in the west and a persistent trough over Hudson Bay is setting up the perfect pattern for upper-level smoke to make its way across Canada and into southern Ontario over the weekend and into early next week.

Southern Ontario will begin to see the smoke push into the upper atmosphere on Saturday, helping to knock a degree or two off the forecasted over 30° C temperatures for much of the region. The upper-level smoke will also help bring vibrant sunsets to the region.

READ ALSO: AQI, AQHI, and your health: Air quality ratings explained

Though the Great Lakes will likely help inhibit the smoke’s ability to sink to the surface, a significant pulse of smoke on Saturday night paired with light wind and cooling temperatures may result in much of southern Ontario waking up on Sunday to a sweet smell in the air.

There is some uncertainty as to how long the smoke with persist in the atmosphere as well as what regions will be impacted the hardest.

Those with health conditions could be vulnerable to impacts from the smoke infiltrating the region. Limit time outdoors if you start to feel throat irritation or sore, watery eyes.

Thumbnail courtesy: John Lamberton in Nepean, Ont.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for more forecast updates across Canada.