Ontario: Fireworks in jeopardy for some this long weekend
The August long weekend is upon us and we want to give you all the useful weather-related tips to plan for it.
We're in the home stretch now for the much anticipated August long weekend and we continue with Beyond The Forecast, giving you the tools and tips to make the most of this prime summer holiday. Catch up, below.
BEYOND THE FORECAST:
COTTAGE COUNTRY FIRE RATINGS COULD IMPACT YOUR WEEKEND FIREWORKS
August long weekend festivals are endless across the GTA, and while many will stick closer to home to soak up these fun summer events, thousands will also opt to head into the treasured cottage country region.
HIGHWAY CONDITIONS: Plan ahead and track your route into cottage country this weekend
Not only will it be important to keep your eyes on the skies for the potential for isolated storms, but the forest fire rating will also play a key role in both outdoor activities and firework displays throughout the weekend.
Earlier this week, an "extreme" forest fire danger rating and widespread fire ban in the Muskoka region prompted the cancellation of the scheduled fireworks display at Muskoka Wharf on Saturday. That rating has since dropped to "high," with the fireworks now expected to proceed as originally scheduled.
Although the fire rating has decreased, the Town of Gravenhurst are reminding people that daytime burning is still not permitted. There is also still the potential for the fire rating to go back up to extreme in the hot and mostly dry conditions expected, which would once again cancel the scheduled displays.
Keep up-to-date on the fire danger ratings in your area, HERE
POLICE MONITORING COTTAGE COUNTRY TRAVEL
For those heading north to celebrate the long weekend, police officials are reminding drivers to take it easy on the roads, especially on the heavily traveled cottage routes and highways. OPP launched the Civic long weekend "Slow Down Move Over" initiative in an effort to keep things moving safely throughout the weekend.
"This weekend our focus is going to be to remind everyone about the importance of slowing down and moving over," said Sgt Kerry Schmidt ahead of the launch on Thursday morning. "...We want to make sure that drivers are driving safely and responsibly so that we don't have a tragedy to deal with."