Air quality statement ends for GTA as wildfire smoke eases
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Posted June 9, 2023 7:36 am.
Last Updated June 9, 2023 9:56 am.
GTA residents who have found it difficult to catch their breath outdoors over the past couple of days will be breathing a sigh of relief on Friday,
A special air quality statement for all of Southern Ontario has now been lifted by Environment Canada as wildfire smoke that has blanketed the region for much of the week starts to move out.
The forecast is still calling for local smoke through Friday evening, however it is expected to be far less intense than what was experienced over the past couple of days with fresher air thanks to shifting winds.
Forecasters are warning that the hazy skies could make a return if winds change direction again.
CityNews weather specialist Denise Andreacchi says Toronto can expect sunny skies on Friday with a chance of showers. The guaranteed high is 20 C. Saturday and Sunday call for a mix of sun and cloud with a guaranteed highs of 23 C and 20 C, before potential showers late Sunday.
Haven’t seen rain on the windshield in quite a while in #Toronto . Hopefully it helps cleanse the air of wildfire smoke. Air quality is much improved today after 2-3 days of air ranging from unhealthy to dangerous for some. @CityNewsTO pic.twitter.com/zZODNo3AEm
— Kevin Misener (@Kevin_Misener) June 9, 2023
The number of fires burning across the country fell slightly Thursday, but forecasts suggest smoke warnings will remain in place in several provinces into the weekend.
The record setting air pollution that blanketed Ottawa and much of eastern Ontario with a yellow-tinged haze Wednesday had mostly cleared by Thursday morning. But further south, Environment Canada maintained very high-risk air quality rating on Thursday in the Toronto area, southwestern Ontario and the Niagara region.
Most school boards across the GTA took action to limit the amount of time students would be outdoors this week. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) saw Thursday’s outdoor activities, including athletic events and field trips, moved indoors or rescheduled.
The Toronto Blue Jays closed the roof of the Rogers Centre during their homes game against the Houston Astros the last two nights, citing the air quality as the reason.
Woodbine Entertainment cancelled both its thoroughbred and standardbred racing events at Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday due to poor air quality. Woodbine confirms they will resume live racing at both venues on Friday.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said this week there are 54 active fires in Ontario, including 29 not under control. As of Wednesday morning, 13 new fires had been discovered and fire rangers extinguished six fires on Tuesday.