Ontario skies get hazy from wildfire smoke, air quality alert for millions
Ontario's poor air quality and hazy skies will persist for the next couple of days for many areas, with widespread alerts remaining in place.
Wildfire smoke from Western Canada has created poor, unsafe air quality readings from northern Ontario to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other areas in the province this week.
Widespread, special air quality statements are in place, covering a lot of the province.
DON'T MISS: The Weather Network's new Fire & Smoke map helps you plan ahead and stay safe
It’s already been a rough year for wildfires across Canada. The total area burned since Jan. 1, 2025, has surpassed five million hectares, with more than 3,000 fires reported so far this year. For reference, the five-year average for this time of year is just 2.5 million hectares.
The poor air quality will persist into Tuesday for some areas. Folks whose respiratory systems are especially sensitive to wildfire smoke should use extra caution over the next couple of days.
Air remains poor across Ontario from wildfire smoke
Active blazes over Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario have sent prolific plumes of smoke billowing into the atmosphere. Westerly, upper-level winds blowing across these wildfire zones have forced smoke to move over Ontario through the start of this week.
Sinking air behind the frontal system responsible for this weekend’s potent thunderstorms has allowed the smoke to mix directly down to the surface, further affecting air quality for the next couple of days.
MUST SEE: Best practices to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
The air quality health risk is likely to hover around 6 in the city of Toronto on Tuesday, slightly lower than Monday night's projected level of 7.
WATCH: Air quality statement or warning, what's the difference?
Models indicate that the smoke could linger across the province through Tuesday and into Wednesday. The air quality should improve a bit on Wednesday with a change in wind direction.
Wildfire smoke can cause respiratory problems in those who suffer from chronic illnesses or respiratory diseases. If possible, stay indoors during periods of reduced air quality, and consider wearing a mask outdoors to reduce your exposure to fine particulate matter.
Thumbnail courtesy of NOAA.