Air quality warning for Toronto downgraded, though still among worst in world

The Toronto skyline is pictured from Polson St. as wildfire smoke rolls into Toronto, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Environment Canada has ended its air quality warning for Toronto late Monday afternoon, though poor conditions still persist.

An air quality warning was issued for the city late Sunday night as smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario moved into the area and caused air quality to “deteriorate significantly,” the national weather agency said.

Now, that warning has been downgraded to a special statement as they say air quality is expected to improve throughout the evening.

As of 4 p.m., air quality in the city was still listed as an eight—for high risk—but Environment Canada is forecasting things to improve to a moderate risk level of six by Monday night.

Still, the special statement warns that “people more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.”

At one point on Monday morning, Toronto’s air quality was ranked second worst in the world, according to data from Swiss air quality tracker IQAir.

A heat warning remains in effect for Toronto and sweltering conditions are expected to persist for much of the week.

A high of 32 C is expected on Tuesday, feeling like 37 when factoring in the humidity.

“Southern Ontario will experience hot and humid conditions now through much of this week,” Environment Canada’s advisory read.

“A shift in the weather pattern late this week will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity Thursday night.”

Humidex values of between 35 and 40 are expected throughout the week and overnight lows of between 19 and 23 C will provide “little relief from the heat,” the advisory continued.

“Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health,” the national weather agency said.

“Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others.”