Wildfire smoke returns to Ontario—and could stick around for a while
The wildfire smoke that returned to Ontario on Wednesday could be a theme this weekend and beyond
A fresh weather pattern moving into Ontario to end the week will come with a stale drawback.
Northwesterly winds responsible for the cooler airmass blanketing the province will also usher in bouts of wildfire smoke from the Prairies, which will reduce both visibility and air quality at times through this weekend and beyond.
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Wildfire smoke from northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba is riding the jet stream directly toward the Great Lakes region, lowering air quality across much of Ontario.
Special air quality statements are in effect from Wawa to Ottawa, with air quality warnings spanning much of the northern section of the province where AQHI ratings of 10+ will linger into Thursday.
We’ll see smoke move into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Ottawa Valley through Thursday. Some rain moving into southwestern Ontario could help mix the wildfire smoke down to the surface on Thursday morning.
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While Friday may bring some clearer skies, which are much needed in southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, the smoky conditions may be far from over.
You may continue to notice the hazy skies trend off and on this weekend as the jet stream determines where the bulk of the smoke travels. Cottage-goers and campers may be more affected by the smoke than folks staying in southern Ontario. Sunday may be particularly smoky in parts of Ottawa.
Little rainfall is in the forecast over the next 7 to 10 days across the numerous blazes burning throughout northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. As a result, additional smoke will continue billowing into the atmosphere as these fires burn undeterred by the weather.
Header image submitted by Dave Berry.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario.