Toronto’s air quality impacted for 2nd day due to Northwestern Ontario wildfire smoke

First the heat, now the smoke-filled haze. Wildfire smoke from Northwestern Ontario pushes its way into the GTA. Afua Baah has more on residents are coping and how you can protect your property from smoke damage.

By Lucas Casaletto and John Marchesan

Posted July 15, 2026 6:59 am.

Last Updated July 16, 2026 10:37 am.

Toronto topped the world’s worst air quality rankings Wednesday as thick wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario pushed the city into the very high‑risk range on the air quality health index, a trend that will continue through Thursday.

While some neighbourhoods may continue to see elevated smoke levels Thursday, the broader weather pattern is shifting: the heat wave has ended, with a high of 29 C expected in Toronto.

Environment Canada issued an orange air quality warning Wednesday morning, citing “very poor air quality and reduced visibility.”

The warning urges residents to limit time outdoors, reschedule outdoor sports or events, and monitor for symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, mild cough, wheezing, chest pain or severe cough. Those most vulnerable — including older adults, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with chronic conditions and outdoor workers — are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

At one point, Toronto was ranked the worst in the world for air quality by IQAir.

*Toronto Pearson Airport as the city remains under an air quality warning on July 15, 2026. CITYNEWS/Daniel Berry*

City of Toronto keeps pools closed

Citing the severity of the air quality event and the fact that Toronto is “among the cities experiencing the worst air quality in the world,” city officials have decided to keep outdoor and wading pools closed.

The city says CampTo programs will continue to operate, however, outdoor activities will be moved indoors on Thursday. All CampTO field trips are cancelled until further notice.

All other outdoor registered programs scheduled for Thursday have either been cancelled, postponed or moved indoors.

Officials say City-run child care centres will remain open and operate indoors.

Friday into the weekend: Rain brings relief

680 NewsRadio weather specialist Denise Andreacchi says a wind shift will help clear the air by Friday, when showers return late in the day. More unsettled weather follows Saturday, with scattered showers and a risk of thunderstorms as stronger southwest winds (30–50 km/h) push the high to 26 degrees and the low to 16.

By Sunday, conditions stabilize again under sun and cloud, light southeast winds, and a steady high of 26 degrees with a low of 17.