Good Friday morning!

I stepped outside to let the cat out this morning (he loves going outside) and immediately was hit by a strong smell of smoke. I did a quick check of some weather products and found the smoke we are seeing over the Province this morning is being producd locally (Kingston and Martin Lake Fires) and nationally (Fires burning in other parts of Canada).

This morning’s forecast is brought to you by Roebothan, McKay and Marshall.

Visit www.makethecall.ca for more!

An Air Quality WARNING is in effect for the Avalon Peninsula North and an Air Quality STATEMENT is in effect for the St. John’s Area.

Here is a summary of the information from the Environment and Climate Change Canada alerts.

Who’s Most at Risk

Adults 65+
Pregnant individuals
Infants and young children
People with chronic health conditions
Outdoor workers

Health Effects
You may notice eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. In heavier smoke, even healthy individuals can be affected. More serious symptoms include wheezing, chest pain, or a severe cough. If you experience these, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

Stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
Use clean indoor air — run a good quality HVAC filter or a certified portable air cleaner that can remove fine particles.
If you must go outside, keep it brief and wear a well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator mask.
Reschedule outdoor activities like sports or strenuous work.
Check on vulnerable people in your family or community.
During heat events, balance keeping cool with keeping smoke out.

Stay Informed
Follow all instructions from local authorities.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke and check current air quality conditions at airhealth.ca.

LATE EVENING WILDFIRE UPDATE

Late last evening, the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador provided an update on the fires across the Province. I’ve quoted it below.

“The Kingston wildfire remains very active and grew on the northern edge, towards Ochre Pit Cove. The current northern boundary is obscured by heavy smoke, and a new size estimate is not available. Construction began on two fuel breaks on the southern edge near Perry’s Cove. Three water bombers, three helicopters, a bird dog and ground crew actioned the fire today and will continue suppression tomorrow.

Crews had another good day on the Holyrood fire. Tomorrow ground crews will action the western portion of the fire to continue attacking hot spots closest to structures. A helicopter will provide bucketing if needed.

The wildfire at Martin Lake had minimal growth today and is approximately 230 hectares. No cabins have been impacted by the fire at this time. Heavy equipment has been arranged to construct a fuel break tomorrow along the northern boundary. A water bomber and the three 802 aircraft will action the fire tomorrow.

A water bomber was diverted from the Kingston fire for a short time to respond to a wildfire in Red Harbour this afternoon. Crews are following up with ground suppression, and that fire has been contained.”

TODAY’S FORECAST

A Heat Warning is in effect from today through at least the middle of next week for much of Newfoundland and parts of Labrador. A ‘Heat Dome’ is setting up shop across the region and will bring highs near 30ºC and lows near 16ºC through the time frame. That is text book Heat Warning criteria.

What’s unusual about this stretch is the dryness that will come with it. Typically, when we see heat like this, it’s tied to a warm and humid weather pattern. This time, the heat will be paired with dry conditions — especially over the Island, where very little rain is expected in the coming days. Labrador’s precipitation outlook isn’t quite as bleak.

High temperatures across the Island today vary quite a bit, but will generally be in the upper 20s. Be sure to check the forecast for YOUR area in the app or by using the various forecast zones I’ve set up on the website.