Smoke levels increase across most of GTA with relief expected from afternoon showers

Heavy smoke is once again blanketing much of the Greater Toronto Area as an orange air quality warning remains in effect for Saturday.

Environment Canada issued the “very poor” air quality warning after smoke drifted south from wildfires in northwestern Ontario.

While some improvement is expected later in the morning and into the afternoon, the smoke may return Saturday night, said the national weather agency.

Showers with a chance of thunderstorms could “help sweep out” the smoke temporarily on Saturday, said meteorologist Rob Kuhn on Friday.

Environment Canada forecasts about 10 to 20 millimetres of rain in Toronto with a risk of thunderstorms in the morning or early afternoon. It’s a high of 27 C on Saturday that will feel closer to 36 with the humidity.

The air quality health index (AQHI) at 7 a.m. Friday was at 10+ for “very high risk” for Brampton, Oakville and most of Toronto.

Concentrations of fine particulate matter from the smoke, known as PM 2.5, were at high levels on Saturday morning after they had dropped drastically on Friday. These airborne particles are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, smaller than a strand of human hair, and can travel deep into your lungs.

As of 7 a.m. Saturday, here is how much PM 2.5 is in the atmosphere for some GT municipalities:

• Brampton has 117 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³).
• Mississauga at 91 μg/m³.
• Oakville at 121 μg/m³.
• Oshawa at 26 μg/m³.
• Toronto ranged from 85 to 114 μg/m³.

Oshawa’s air quality warning has been lowered to yellow, but Environment Canada said smoke levels were expected to increase later through the day.

Junior Carnival Parade postponed due to weather

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age and health status. Consider limiting time outdoors,” said the national weather agency.

It urged sports officials and outdoor event organizers to assess conditions when making planning decisions.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade was rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday due to inclement weather forecasts.

“The decision has been made with the safety and comfort of the thousands of young participants, their families, volunteers, spectators and event staff as the highest priority,” said event organizers in a news release.

Toronto Mayor Oliva Chow said Friday that wading and outdoor pools will stay closed and lifeguards at 10 supervised Toronto beaches are cleared while the orange air quality warning is in effect.

Toronto has six “cleaner air spaces” open at city hall, Metro Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre.

Environment Canada warned residents may experience symptoms including headaches, eye and throat irritation, wheezing or chest pains.

Seniors, pregnant people, young children, people who work outdoors and those with existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by the wildfire smoke. They’re advised to avoid going outdoors and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.