MASCOUCHE — Residents of Mascouche should take note of local air-quality readings this week: the city's Air Quality Index (AQI⁺) sits near the good range in recent hourly readings, while the fine particulate matter concentration (PM2.5) is reported at a level above the World Health Organization's annual guideline.
Current readings and short-term forecast
According to the IQAir hourly and daily forecast for Mascouche, the AQI⁺ value is reported at around 49 for today, with a projected value of 50 on Monday and a lower value of 17 on Tuesday. Meteorological details included with the forecast list daytime and overnight temperatures and wind and humidity conditions:
- Today: AQI⁺ 49; temperature high ~25°, low ~15°; wind ~25 km/h; humidity ~77%.
- Monday: AQI⁺ 50; temperature high ~22°, low ~14°; wind ~21 km/h; humidity ~83%.
- Tuesday: AQI⁺ 17; temperature high ~21°, low ~15°; wind ~16 km/h; humidity ~81%.
PM2.5 levels and public-health context
IQAir reports that Mascouche's PM2.5 concentration is currently above the WHO annual guideline. As the provider summarises:
"PM2.5 concentration is currently 1.8 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value."
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular effects, particularly for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, young children and older adults. While the AQI readings are around the good category in the short term, the PM2.5 comparison to the WHO annual guideline indicates a longer-term concentration that warrants attention.
Historical and comparative notes
The IQAir record for the area shows a historical AQI reading around 50 (Good) at early morning hours on Aug. 23 (05:00–06:00 local time). The site also publishes a Canada city ranking for AQI⁺ — a national list led by locations in British Columbia and Alberta — although Mascouche is not listed among the top-ranked locations in that snapshot.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Today's AQI⁺ | 49 (Good) |
| Monday AQI⁺ forecast | 50 |
| Tuesday AQI⁺ forecast | 17 |
| PM2.5 vs WHO annual guideline | 1.8× |
What Mascouche residents should consider
With AQI readings in the low range, most people can continue regular outdoor activities. However, the elevated PM2.5 relative to the WHO annual guideline points to a higher annual average concentration of fine particles than public-health authorities recommend. Practical considerations for residents include:
- People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, older adults and young children should monitor symptoms and follow any guidance from their health-care providers.
- Check updated hourly forecasts before planning prolonged outdoor exertion, especially on days when local AQI may rise due to weather changes, fires, or other sources of pollution.
- Vulnerable residents may choose to limit heavy outdoor activity or use indoor spaces with cleaner air on days with higher readings.
IQAir's data for Mascouche indicates that no specific local monitoring locations were listed as the "cleanest air" sites for the city in the snapshot provided. Residents who want real-time local measurements or public-health recommendations should consult provincial health authorities, municipal notices and multiple air-quality platforms for cross-reference.
WE NEWS will continue to track local air-quality bulletins and report any significant changes that could affect Mascouche residents.
