Air quality warning ended for Hamilton and rain has hit the city

The air quality statement ended and rain has moved into Hamilton.

Environment Canada warnings of air quality levels reaching dangerous heights because of wildfires across the country ended in Hamilton and most of southern Ontario overnight.

Residents can breath a sigh of relief Friday morning as the provincial air quality monitoring website indicates things are clearer, with air quality levels of two or three on a scale of one to 10. On Wednesday, those readings had reached 10-plus - signifying a high risk to health - across Hamilton.

The provincial air monitoring site says Friday's air quality level high at Hamilton's three monitoring stations will top out at five or moderate risk. It shows a prediction of four for Saturday, and it is unclear what Sunday will read.

Advice for moderate risk in the general population says there is no need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

As we head into the weekend, sunshine and more rain is on the way.

The weather service forecast is showing a 30 per cent chance of showers and daytime high of 21 C for Friday. More showers are forecast for Sunday after a hot, 28 C, and sunny Saturday.

That doesn't mean we are in the clear, as area burning bans remain in place for Hamilton, Burlington, Norfolk and Niagara.

Current special air quality statements remain for areas northwest of North Bay.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com