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The City of London has reopened outdoor sports fields and is resuming regular programming after air quality improved enough to end several smoke-related closures.
Outdoor soccer fields, baseball diamonds, cricket fields and beach volleyball courts reopened Saturday, while crews prepared outdoor pools to welcome swimmers for regularly scheduled hours.
Storybook Gardens was also expected to reopen later Saturday afternoon, and city-run outdoor events, including Outdoor Movie Nights and activities on Dundas Place, were set to proceed as planned.
The city had closed outdoor pools, splash pads and sports amenities earlier this week as thick wildfire smoke blanketed London and much of southwestern Ontario for three consecutive days.
“With thunderstorms expected today, we will share any changes to programming that may be required on our social media accounts,” the city said in a statement Saturday.
While conditions improved enough for the city to resume normal operations, Environment Canada issued a yellow air quality warning Saturday morning, saying wildfire smoke could return later in the day and linger into Sunday in some areas.
The weather agency said smoke levels are expected to fluctuate, with health risks increasing as concentrations rise. People are encouraged to limit time outdoors and consider postponing or reducing strenuous outdoor activities if smoke returns.
Wildfire smoke continued to blanket London and much of southwestern Ontario. This photo was taken from the top of City Hall on Friday morning. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)Thunderstorms could bring damaging winds and hail
Any relief from smoky skies could be short-lived, with Environment Canada also issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for London and eastern Middlesex County Saturday afternoon.
Forecasters said conditions are favourable for thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts up to 110 km/h, hail as large as ping pong balls and 25 to 40 millimetres of rain. There is also a risk of tornadoes.
The city said it will monitor the forecast and provide updates on any weather-related changes to outdoor programming through its social media channels.
Environment Canada is urging residents to head indoors when thunderstorms approach, secure loose outdoor objects, and be prepared for possible power outages and localized flooding.