Toronto’s air quality has deteriorated sharply as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires continues to blanket the city and surrounding area, pushing pollution levels to roughly five times what they were Wednesday.
Toronto Air Quality Reaches Level 10
Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index currently places Toronto at Level 10, the very high risk category. An orange-level air quality warning remains in effect while smoke continues to affect the region.
Residents are being encouraged to reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors where possible. The warning underscores the extent of the decline since Wednesday, with conditions worsening substantially as wildfire smoke builds over Toronto.
IQAir, a service that monitors pollution levels in cities worldwide, ranks Toronto’s air quality among the worst globally for a second consecutive day. The ranking reflects the heavy smoke affecting the city, while Environment Canada’s index provides the current health-risk assessment for local conditions.
Some relief is expected later today. Air quality conditions are forecast to improve marginally this afternoon, followed by a more significant improvement overnight.
However, that period of fresher air may not last long. Winds are expected to shift back to the southwest late Friday, potentially ending the improvement. Until conditions ease, the orange-level warning remains in place and people are advised to limit outdoor exposure when possible.
Abhishek Kaul
Parvasi Media Group
