Toronto’s Air Quality Improves After Wildfire Smoke Clears
After days of thick haze and health warnings, Toronto is breathing easier again. Environment Canada officially lifted its special air quality statement Thursday afternoon as wildfire smoke from the Prairies began to dissipate.
Earlier in the week, Toronto’s air quality ranked among the worst globally, sitting just behind Baghdad, Iraq, according to the Swiss air quality monitoring site IQAir. The smoke, carried east by shifting winds, pushed the city’s air quality index to dangerous levels, prompting widespread advisories.
The alert, first issued Wednesday evening alongside the cancellation of a multi-day heat warning, urged residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure due to potential health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
As of now, Toronto’s air quality index has returned to a Level 3, classified as “low risk.” This marks the second time in July that the city’s air quality deteriorated to near-record lows due to wildfire smoke, highlighting the ongoing impact of Canada’s intense fire season.
Also Read: Toronto Air Quality Worsens Amid Wildfire Smoke Earlier This Month
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to remain favorable. Thursday’s high is forecast at 23°C, feeling like 25°C with humidity. The weekend promises sunshine and rising temperatures, peaking at 29°C on Sunday.
