Overview
- After several days of hazardous smoke from northern Ontario wildfires, air monitors report a marked improvement in Toronto’s air quality and IQAir currently rates conditions as good.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a high chance of rain and a risk of thunderstorms beginning around midday, with most areas forecast to get 5 to 10 millimetres of rain and some spots possibly exceeding 15 millimetres in heavier cells.
- Forecasters warn storms could produce gusty winds and reduced visibility in heavier downpours and that southwest winds will strengthen during the event, increasing short-term local impacts.
- City life has already been affected by the smoke with outdoor events cancelled and health officials advising vulnerable people to stay indoors, and the incoming storms will disrupt outdoor plans in their own way.
- Wildfires in northern Ontario remain active so changing wind patterns could return smoke to the region; officials urge residents to monitor Environment Canada forecasts and local air-quality alerts such as the AQHI and IQAir for updates.