07/15/2026
⚠️ Hazardous Air Quality Moving into Southern Ontario Today
As expected, wildfire smoke from Northwestern Ontario has begun moving into Southern Ontario, creating an eerie orange-tinged sky in many areas and significantly reducing air quality.
While much of the smoke currently overhead is elevated, enough of it is mixing down to the surface to impact air quality. We’re already seeing AQI readings reach the unhealthy (150+) to very unhealthy range (200+) across parts of Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe. Unfortunately, the worst air quality has yet to arrive.
If you look to our northwest, there are widespread hazardous air quality readings across northern Wisconsin and Michigan, with some areas reporting AQI values exceeding 500 to 600. That’s where the thickest smoke has already mixed down to the surface, and that same plume is expected to spread into Southern Ontario over the next several hours.
So far, Central and Eastern Ontario have avoided the worst of the smoke. Based on current trends, it also appears the Ottawa Valley may escape the most significant impacts, with the thickest smoke expected to remain focused on Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe.
Many areas are expected to reach hazardous air quality levels (AQI 300+) as early as this afternoon. Conditions will likely continue to deteriorate through the evening, with the poorest air quality expected overnight into Thursday morning.
The smoke is expected to linger through Thursday. There may be some improvement on Friday, but air quality will likely remain poor. Beyond that, the forecast will depend on how wildfire activity evolves over the next couple of days, so it’s possible smoke could continue into the weekend.
If you live in an area experiencing hazardous air quality, limit your time outdoors as much as possible. This level of smoke is unhealthy for everyone, not just those in sensitive groups. Keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning on recirculation if available, and run an air purifier if you have one.
If you must spend time outside, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator to help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe coughing, seek medical attention.
Stay safe everyone!
What are conditions like in your area? Is the smoke affecting the air quality where you are?
- Brennen
