PHOTOS: Blanket of wildfire smoke creates eerie skies in Ontario and Quebec
Surface-level smoke from wildfires has infiltrated the skies over parts of Ontario and Quebec, making for orange, yellowish and/or hazy scenery
Wildfire smoke has reached Ontario and Quebec skies as hundreds of active wildfires in both provinces continue to produce significant smoke plumes. On Wednesday, it caused parts of Ontario to have some of the worst air quality in the world.
DON'T MISS: Some of the worst air quality in the world sits over Ontario Wednesday
A strong jet stream has transported the smoke southeast, with parts of southern Quebec and Ontario experiencing degraded air quality.
Yellow- and orange-coloured air quality warnings are in place for southern Ontario, including in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and parts of Quebec.
Wildfire smoke created a yellow-orange hue in the sky on Wednesday, July 15. (Nathan Howes/The Weather Network)
Expect the poor air quality and wildfire smoke to continue on Thursday.
DON'T MISS: Some of the worst air quality in the world sits over Ontario Wednesday
On Thursday, we are expecting a slight improvement in air quality in the GTA compared to Wednesday’s levels. However, it remains a high-risk air quality day, well into the poor range.
The thickest part of the smoke plume is expected to shift more south, affecting London, Sarnia and Windsor more than on Wednesday.
Smoke is expected to gradually lift from the northeast to the south by late Thursday in eastern Ontario. Kingston and Peterborough should see clearer conditions Thursday evening.
The GTA and parts of southwestern Ontario could see clearer conditions Friday morning.
Smoke may, at times, become concentrated at the surface, heightening health risks for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents can expect hazy skies, red sunrises and sunsets, and potential odours of wildfire smoke. Those sensitive to poor air quality are advised to limit outdoor activities as conditions evolve.
Stay updated on air quality alerts this week.
See some of the impacts from the wildfire smoke, below.
Hazy skies from the Islington Bridge in South Etobicoke. July 15, 2026. (The Weather Network)
Shannon, Que., smoky skies. (Audrey Carpentier/Submitted to MeteoMedia)
Shannon, Que., smoky skies. (Audrey Carpentier/Submitted to MeteoMedia)
Shannon, Que., smoky skies. (Audrey Carpentier/Submitted to MeteoMedia)
Smoky skies in Woodview, Ont., observed over Stoney Lake. July 14, 2026.(Rachel Schoutsen/The Weather Network)
Smoky sky in Cornwall, Ont. July 14, 2026. (Mark Robinson/The Weather Network)
Yellowish/brown skies due to wildfire smoke seen in Trenton, Ont. July 14, 2026. (Mark Robinson/The Weather Network)
Smoky skies seen in Owen Sound, Ont. July 15, 2026. (April Walker/The Weather Network)
Thumbnail courtesy of Vladimir Blanc, taken in L'Ancienne-Lorette, Qué., submitted to MeteoMedia.