Hourly Forecast - Essex

9:35 AM EDT Wednesday 15 July 2026

Impact Level: High

Forecast Confidence: High

Air quality is expected to deteriorate later today as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario moves into the area. Poor air quality may persist into Friday. During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel 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. 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. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. If you must spend time outdoors, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. Always follow guidance from local authorities. Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke. For further information visit the website airqualityontario.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666. Visit 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. Issued by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario

In effect for:

• Windsor - Leamington - Essex County

Follow:Regional ATOM

10:58 AM EDT Wednesday 15 July 2026

Impact Level: Moderate

Forecast Confidence: High

A heat event continues. What: Maximum temperatures of 29 to 33 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures of 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. Humidex values of 38 to 42. When: Continuing today. May continue into Thursday for some areas. Additional information: Widespread wildfire smoke may limit daytime heating, leading to cooler temperatures than expected. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category. Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with wildfire smoke, prioritize keeping cool. For more information: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat Health risks and who is at risk of extreme heat events Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.

In effect for:

• Windsor - Leamington - Essex County

Follow:Regional ATOM