Rain brings relief to air quality, but is it enough?
The rain that moved into the region Friday morning is welcome relief for many after days of high air pollution warnings.
Environment Canada issued a special statement earlier this week regarding wildfire smoke creating poor air quality and prompting health concerns, especially for the more vulnerable.
The national weather agency has since ended the special weather statement for southern Ontario.
The wet weather Friday is welcomed by fire officials as well after days of warnings about tinder-dry conditions capable of sparking out-of-control fires.
Despite the rain, most of Simcoe County and the entire District of Muskoka remain under a total fire ban.
"You need a nice steady flow of rain to help penetrate that earth and create that moisture as well to allow the material to grow back and become lush and green again," said Oro-Medonte Deputy Fire Chief Melanie Brown.
Officials remind residents to remain cautious, adding that even things like glass bottles can ignite material in extremely dry conditions.
The rain Friday is short-lived, ending by late morning, with sun and clouds in the forecast for the remainder of the day.
There is a 60 per cent chance of showers on Sunday and Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.