Orange air quality warning persists across Greater Toronto Area, with temporary relief expected in afternoon
Posted on: Jul 15, 2026 18:25 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Despite improvements overnight with the smoking, an orange-level transmit lineament warning by surround Canada remains in localize Friday across the Greater Toronto Area.
Drifting smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario are still resulting in "very poor air quality" and reduce visibility Friday morning, said the national weather agency's warning update at 6 a.m.
While "temporary" relief is expected in the afternoon, Environment Canada said heavy smoke will return Friday night and into the weekend.
"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status," it said, adding people should reschedule or cancel any outdoor activities.
Concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, in the atmosphere have lowered compared to Thursday, according to the province. PM 2.5 are airborne particles that are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, smaller than a strand of human hair, and can travel deep into your lungs.
As of 6 a.m. Friday, Toronto has about 71 to 176 micrograms/cubic metre (μg/m³) of PM 2.5 in the air. That's an improvement compared to the nearly 300 μg/m³ measured Thursday morning.
Concentrations of the pollutant are higher in Brampton at 218 μg/m³ and Mississauga at 206 μg/m³, but are lower at 40 μg/m³ in Oshawa.
The province's air quality health index as of 6 a.m. Friday is at 10+, or very high risk, for Brampton, Mississauga and most of Toronto. Meanwhile, Toronto East has come down to 8, or high risk, and Oshawa to 4, or moderate risk.
Toronto air quality may 'temporarily improve' Friday, but conditions could persist into weekend
Toronto the orange: Wildfire smoke leaves city under dirty sky with no relief likely until Friday
Environment Canada warned residents may experience symptoms including headaches, eye and throat irritation, wheezing or chest pains.
Seniors, pregnant people, young children, people who work outdoors and those with existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by the wildfire smoke. They're advised to avoid going outdoors and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Toronto ranked fourth on Friday morning in a list of the world's most polluted cities, according to a global ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.