Much of Canada smoky, other parts get heat, and some areas seeing both

Special air-quality statements caused by wildfire smoke remain in effect for many areas of the country, and in some places, people are also handling stifling heat and humidity as well as the haze.

Much of Central Canada, Manitoba and Saskatchewan were placed under special air quality statements or warnings on Monday due to smoke from wildfires on the Prairies and northern Ontario, as Environment Canada advised residents to limit time outdoors and watch for smoke exposure symptoms.

Air quality warnings for areas including Toronto were downgraded to special statements later Monday and briefly lifted before another special statement was issued Tuesday morning over elevated pollution levels.

A heat warning has also been issued for the city that warns of daytime highs between 31 and 35 degrees lasting until Thursday.

A stretch east of Kingston is grappling with both sweltering temperatures and residual smoke, with a heat warning and air quality statement in place.

Heat warnings are also in effect north of Lake Huron, as well as for parts of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Environment Canada says residents in areas with smoke warnings or advisories should consider limiting time outside and be mindful of smoke exposure symptoms. 

And it says if there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.