Air quality warning
Wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario is bringing very poor air quality and reduced visibility to the area, with the situation expected to persist into the weekend under a high-impact, high-confidence forecast.
Everyone’s health is at risk during heavy smoke, no matter their age or condition, so it’s best to limit time outdoors and cancel or reschedule outdoor sports and events.
Common symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough, while wheezing, chest pain, or a severe cough are less common but more serious, and would warrant emergency care.
Older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, those with chronic illness, and outdoor workers should avoid strenuous outdoor activity and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and run a high-quality air filter or certified portable air cleaner if available. If you must go outside, keep it brief, and a well-fitted N95 or equivalent respirator can help cut down exposure.
It’s also worth checking on anyone nearby who may be more vulnerable, and continuing to follow guidance from local authorities.
More details are at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke, airqualityontario.com, and airhealth.ca. Issued by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario.
Today – July 17, 2026
Widespread smoke. High 28. Humidex 33. UV index 10 or very high.
Tonight
Widespread smoke. Low 22.
Sat, 18 Jul – Mainly cloudy. 60 percent chance of showers in the afternoon with risk of a thunderstorm. Local smoke in the morning and early in the afternoon. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning then becoming northwest 20 gusting to 40 in the afternoon. High 29. Humidex 38. UV index 8 or very high. Night – Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 15.
Sun, 19 Jul – Sunny. High 26. Night – Clear. Low 14.
Mon, 20 Jul – Sunny. High 28. Night – Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 20.
Tue, 21 Jul – Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. High 27. Night – Cloudy. Low 16.
Wed, 22 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. High 25. Night – Cloudy periods. Low 14.
Thu, 23 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud. High 26.
