Air Quality Warning Issued for Windsor, Leamington, and Essex County

Alert Details

Environment Canada, in coordination with the Province of Ontario, has issued a yellow air quality warning. The alert is currently in effect due to high levels of air pollution resulting from stagnant winter weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following regions in Ontario:

• Windsor
• Leamington
• Essex County

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to limit their time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough; anyone experiencing a medical emergency should seek immediate assistance.

Groups at higher risk—including people aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, infants, young children, those with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers—should be especially cautious and reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.

Expected Conditions

Light winds and stagnating weather have led to an accumulation of fine particles and nitrogen dioxide. High risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected to persist through the duration of the alert.

Timeline

The alert was issued on February 15, 2026, and is currently effective. High risk AQHI values may persist through Monday morning, with the current alert window scheduled to expire at 8:35 AM on February 16, 2026.