wildfire smoke to descend on southern ontario, lowering gta air quality
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as torontonians bake in one of the hottest days of the year, meteorologists are forecasting reduced air quality on wednesday as smoke from wildfires in northern ontario drifts to southern parts of the province.
according to the weather network, a strong jet stream is pushing the smoke southeast, creating hazy conditions, with the smell of smoke possible in some areas of southern ontario, beginning wednesday and staying in place thursday.
as of tuesday afternoon, air quality ontario rated air quality in most areas of the gta between low risk and moderate risk, with its air quality health index sitting at either three or four in the region.
but things are forecasted to change wednesday, with the air quality health index forecasted to rise to five in the gta, with the colours on the scale going from yellow to orange; though it’s still a moderate risk on the scale that ranges from one to 10+, with a colour code that goes from blue to red.
at-risk popution urged to limit time outdoors
with the air quality risk pegged at moderate, air quality ontario recommends people at risk consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, while the general population don’t have to modify their outdoor activities.
wildfire smoke can pose the greatest risk for the elderly, those with existing conditions, youths and pregnant people, according to health canada.
regions under air quality alerts and wildfire threats
with over a hundred wildfires burning in across ontario, air quality ontario has issued 37 air quality alerts in the province as of tuesday afternoon.
regions under alert include lake nipigon-wabakimi, parry sound-muskoka, haliburton, algonquin, sault ste. marie-superior east, greater sudbury and vicinity, and the city of thunder bay.
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an air quality alert is issued when the air quality health index reaches seven or higher.
meanwhile, wildfire threats in northwestern ontario have prompted evacuation orders to be issued for armstrong, collins first nation, cushing lake, whitesand first nation, and lac des mille lacs first nation.
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