The hazy yellow sky over Montreal was a result of smoke from wildfires in Ontario and the Northwest Territories, a phenomenon that coincided with a severe thunderstorm warning. While the timing was unfortunate, the cause was clear: fine smoke particles from forest fires had been carried by high-altitude winds, mixing with clouds to create an unusual yellowish tint. This effect, as explained by McGill University's Frédéric Fabry, is caused by the presence of small particles between the observer and the sun, altering the light's path. Environment Canada meteorologist Simon Legault added that the smoke was at a high altitude and did not affect local air quality, but could potentially impact air quality if it drifted to lower altitudes in the future. This event highlights the interconnectedness of environmental issues and weather patterns, as well as the importance of understanding the complex interactions between natural phenomena and human activities.