The scorching heat wave gripping Toronto has brought with it a new challenge: reduced air quality. As the city swelters through one of the hottest days of the year, meteorologists are forecasting a haze of smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario to drift down to southern parts of the province on Wednesday.
A strong jet stream is pushing the smoke southeast, creating hazy conditions and the possibility of a smoky smell in some areas of southern Ontario by Wednesday, which is expected to linger until Thursday. Air Quality Ontario has rated the air quality in most areas of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as low risk to moderate risk, with the Air Quality Health Index sitting at three or four in the region.
However, the air quality is forecasted to rise to five in the GTA on Wednesday, with the colours on the scale changing from yellow to orange. Although it's still a moderate risk on the scale that ranges from one to 10+, the Air Quality Health Index colour code will shift from blue to orange.
Air Quality Ontario recommends that people at risk, including the elderly, those with existing conditions, youths, and pregnant people, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities due to the moderate air quality risk. The general population does not need to modify their outdoor activities.
As the province grapples with over a hundred wildfires, Air Quality Ontario has issued 37 air quality alerts across Ontario. Regions under alert include Lake Nipigon-Wabakimi, Parry Sound-Muskoka, Haliburton, Algonquin, Sault Ste. Marie-Superior East, Greater Sudbury and vicinity, and the City of Thunder Bay.
An air quality alert is issued when the Air Quality Health Index reaches seven or higher. Meanwhile, wildfire threats in northwestern Ontario have prompted evacuation orders for Armstrong, Collins First Nation, Cushing Lake, Whitesand First Nation, and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
A yellow warning has also been issued for a 'heat event' in Toronto, with highs forecasted to feel like 45 C due to humidex. The heat and smoke combine to create a hazardous situation, with Health Canada warning that wildfire smoke can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
