Poor, unsafe air quality remains in Ontario amid heavy wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke will continue drifting south across Ontario on Thursday, leaving behind degraded air quality that will pose health risks
Ontario grappled with some of the world's poorest air quality Wednesday due to wildfire smoke.
At one point, Toronto was ranked first in the world as conditions deteriorated further throughout the day.
Very poor air quality will continue Thursday in southern Ontario.
RELATED: Ontario's AQHI is soaring. Here's what the numbers mean
Wildfires continue to burn in northeastern Ontario with smoke on the move
A wildfire outbreak earlier this week in northern Ontario continues to drive extreme fire activity.
Out-of-control fires are still burning and spreading fast in northwestern Ontario.
PHOTOS: Blanket of wildfire smoke creates eerie skies in Ontario and Quebec
Smoke from northern Ontario wildfires has spread more than 1,000 km, with the jet stream carrying it southeast. Hazy skies, diminished sunlight, and a smoky odour have been reported.
WATCH: Torontonians shocked by pale, orange sky as smoke invades the city
On Wednesday, wildfire smoke caused very poor air quality conditions in southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Windsor, and Ottawa. Toronto experienced the worst air quality in the world as the thick smoke mixed into the lower atmosphere.
Thursday will see poor air quality continue
Silver lining: The wildfire smoke kept the temperatures much cooler as Toronto was bracing for another day in the low- to mid-30s. The temperature stayed steady around 25°C all day as the sun was completely covered by the smoke plume.
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.
DON'T MISS: The Weather Network's hub for all wildfire information in Canada
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.
There is still a large uncertainty on the timing at which the smoke-free conditions will return in southwestern Ontario as the fires continue to grow. The northwesterly winds could carry smoke into the weekend.
Impacts include increased health risks for those with respiratory issues, hazy conditions, and visibly red sunrises and sunsets. Outdoor activities should be limited until air quality improves.