Smoke, heavy rainfall expected in Ottawa area Saturday evening

Heavy rainfall and high levels of air pollution due to wildfire smoke arecoming to the Ottawa areaSaturday afternoon and evening, Environment Canada says.

The national weather agency issued two statements for the Ottawa areaSaturday. Aspecial air quality statement forecastedhigh levels of air pollution from forest fire smoke, and aspecial weather statement said 50 millimetres of rain is possible.

According to Environment Canada, smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec are expected to move into the area Saturday night or early Sunday morning,but conditions are forecasted to improve Monday.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to human health even at low concentrations, the agency added.

Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms have developed, and some areas of Ottawamay receive significant rainfall, Environment Canadasaid. Rainfall warnings may be issued.

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm alertSaturday evening for theFort William Shawville area inwestern Quebec.

Gatineau, Que.,wasalso under a smog warning Saturday eveningdue to high concentrations of particulate matter from forest fires in the province.