Wildfire smoke and ‘severe’ thunderstorms
Toronto is facing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario, alongside a severe thunderstorm watch. Authorities have issued warnings for potential tornadoes and damaging winds as conditions remain hazardous.
Why it matters
The combination of wildfire-induced air pollution and severe weather poses significant public health and safety risks to urban populations.
The City of Toronto is under a “severe” thunderstorm watch and air quality warning as Environment Canada says smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario continues to linger and blanket the city.
The national weather agency says wildfire smoke will result in very poor air quality through the morning, with only some improvement possible later in the day.
At one point this week, Toronto’s air quality was ranked among the world’s worst, according to IQAir , which prompted outdoor programs and facilities, including pools, to be shuttered.
Today, Toronto is back in the top three, among U.S. cities like New York and Washington D.C.
The effects of the wildfires are expected to continue tonight with localized poor air quality and reduced visibility, according to Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario.
However, they said there could be some relief on Sunday, with “major improvements expected.”
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