Many Leaside residents woke up Wednesday to an orange-yellow glow filtering through their windows as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario settled over much of southern Ontario, prompting an air quality warning from Environment Canada. Similar smoky conditions affected the city last June, though Wednesday’s haze was particularly striking.
The smoky conditions have been noticeable across the GTA, with hazy skies and reduced visibility. On Wednesday morning, Toronto ranked as the world’s most polluted major city on IQAir’s real-time air quality index. Environment Canada says the smoke could linger into Friday in some areas.
Residents are being advised to limit time outdoors where possible, especially older adults, young children, pregnant people, those with heart or lung conditions, and people who work outdoors. Even healthy individuals may notice eye, nose or throat irritation, headaches or coughing.
The air quality warning comes as southern Ontario also remains under a heat warning, making it even more important to stay cool indoors where possible.
Current air quality information and health advice are available from Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index and its air quality warnings page.
Related: Global News: Toronto’s air quality ranked world’s worst as wildfire smoke settles in.