Special air quality alert in effect for Toronto
Toronto is now under a special air quality statement issued by Environment Canada, as wildfire smoke from Northern Ontario and the Prairies continues to linger over the region. This advisory coincides with a heat warning that has now persisted for five consecutive days, intensifying health concerns across the city.
The national meteorological agency reported on Tuesday that air pollution levels have reached a point where everyone is advised to reduce time spent outdoors, particularly during the afternoon peak. While outdoor activities don’t necessarily need to be cancelled, Environment Canada recommends rescheduling or modifying any outdoor sports or events, especially if symptoms like eye irritation or coughing occur.
According to IQAir, a global air quality monitoring platform based in Switzerland, Toronto currently ranks as having the 11th worst air quality worldwide. On Monday, during a more intense smoke event, the city briefly reached the second worst spot globally, just behind Baghdad, Iraq.
Moderate air quality risk as index hits level 6
As of this afternoon, Environment Canada’s air quality health index is at level 6, indicating a moderate health risk. Vulnerable groups — such as older adults, pregnant people, infants, and young children — are particularly advised to limit strenuous activities outdoors if experiencing discomfort. These symptoms may include throat irritation, coughing, or breathing difficulty.
Despite the current levels, the air quality index is forecast to improve overnight, dropping to level 3, which is considered a low risk for the general population.
Heat wave enters fifth day as temperatures soar
While the city contends with lingering smoke, the heat wave continues unabated. Tuesday’s temperature in Toronto is expected to climb to 32 °C (90 °F), with the humidex making it feel like 36 °C (97 °F). Environment Canada warns that this is part of a “prolonged period of extreme heat and humidity.”
Although the warning has been in place for several days, the agency reminds residents that heat can pose risks to everyone, especially those who are isolated or vulnerable. It strongly recommends checking on seniors and people living alone through phone calls or in-person visits, several times a day.
Relief is expected to arrive Thursday night, when temperatures are forecast to ease slightly. However, until then, daily highs are likely to remain in the low 30s Celsius (mid-80s Fahrenheit).
In response, the City of Toronto has opened various cooling spaces to help residents manage the extreme weather.
