Overview

• Environment Canada kept special air quality statements and heat warnings through Wednesday as wildfire smoke and a 31–35°C heatwave persisted across Central Canada.
• Westerly winds continued to draw smoke plumes from the Prairies and northern Ontario into swaths of Ontario and Quebec, contributing to poor visibility and spiking pollution levels.
• Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index rating surged above 10 (“very high risk”) on Monday morning, eased to 8 (“high risk”) by late afternoon, and remained at elevated levels into Wednesday.
• Health officials urged residents, particularly seniors, children, pregnant people and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor time, use well-fitting respirators if necessary and prioritise cool indoor spaces.
• Summer camps and daycares have shifted all programs indoors and installed additional air conditioning units to protect children and vulnerable groups from the combined threats of smoke exposure and extreme heat.