When can we expect wildfire smoke to clear out of the GTA?

The smoke continues to linger across the GTA and is even more pronounced today than earlier in the week. Bluer skies are not in the forecast until we get a change in the wind direction later this week.

The smoky haze is still suspended in the atmosphere and is coming from the wildfires that continue to rage on in northern Ontario and Quebec.

A Special Air Quality Statement is in place for Toronto and Hamilton, along with areas well to the north. The gusty northerly and northeasterly winds are shipping the smoke into our area, which can impact everyone’s health, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.

The smoke may dissipate a little during Wednesday afternoon and evening, but the smoke will return and be even thicker by the overnight hours of Thursday and last through most of the day.

RELATED: Environment Canada warns of poor air quality for GTA due to wildfire smoke

The smoke is still expected to be around for Friday, but improvements may be on the way for the weekend with the winds shifting to the southeast. That will push some of the smoke northward and away from the GTA.

The graphic below shows how dense the smoke will be on Thursday morning. The reds, oranges, and purples highlight the smokiest areas.

With these hazy conditions, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities outdoors, like running and biking. By breathing in the misty and thick air, you breathe in particulate matter that is small enough to get trapped in your lungs more easily.

You may notice that your eyes may sting, you could have a scratchy throat, develop a cough, and experience dizziness at times, all possible because of the smoke in the air.

In these conditions, wearing a face covering is recommended to reduce the amount of particulate matter you breathe in and do as much to keep the smoke out of your home by keeping windows closed for as long as possible.

Some Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA) schools announced they would hold indoor recesses on Wednesday due to the poor forecast air quality index values.

Officials in Niagara Falls say they are pausing their fireworks program due to the air quality advisories.

“Air quality conditions will be reviewed on a daily basis, with updated status reports issued at noon.”