Update #2: Thurs. July 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Environment Canada has ended the yellow warning for air quality in Ottawa.

Update #1: Thurs. July 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for air quality in Ottawa.

Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Conditions may improve for some areas later today. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling 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.

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, 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.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to continue to monitor the Current Students weather page for updates.

The university remains open and operations are running as scheduled.

Please exercise caution when traveling to and commuting on campus.