Smoky haze possible as temperatures remain high in southern Ontario

The heat that’s been a suffocating presence in the region throughout the week will persist today, with temperatures climbing quickly.

The heat that’s been a suffocating presence in the region throughout the week will persist today, with temperatures climbing quickly. “Through the afternoon we’ll hit 33 feeling like a 38,” predicted CTV London Meterologist Julie Atchison. “Take lots of breaks, find shady spots, keep it cool.”

There is a chance for scattered showers this afternoon that could offer a small reprieve from the heat. “We’ll also have to contend with some haze,” warned Atchison. Forest fires in northern Ontario could contribute to that haze, which will hang in the heat.

“The winds as we head into the afternoon will come around to the northwest and as a result we could see some of that smoke filtering in,” cautioned Atchison. “[The] next opportunity for rain [will be] coming in on Friday night,” said Atchison. Temperatures are expected to moderate closer to seasonal as we approach the weekend.

The hot and dry conditions have resulted in a burn ban issued for the entirety of Middlesex County starting today, which officials say will remain in place “until weather conditions improve.” Here’s your London area forecast Wednesday: Sunny early in the morning then a mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Local smoke late in the morning and in the afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h near noon. High 34.

Humidex 42. UV index 9 or very high. Wednesday evening: Partly cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers early in the evening then clear.

Risk of a thunderstorm early in the evening. Local smoke. Wind northwest 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.

Low 18. Thursday: Sunny. High 29.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 29. Saturday:

Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 29. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud.

High 27.