Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the southern Kawarthas region for Wednesday (July 16).
The special air quality statement is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Elevated levels of pollution are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected to reach moderate to high risk levels as a result of increasing ground-level ozone combining with residual smoke.
The special air quality statement is in addition to the ongoing heat warning for the region that has been in effect since last Friday. Daytime temperatures will peak on Wednesday at 33 degrees Celsius, with humidex values reaching 41 degrees Celsius.
A cooler airmass is expected to arrive Thursday morning and bring an end to the heat wave.
