air quality toronto

Thick blanket of haze accompanied by smoky smell in Toronto

A thick haze has rolled in to Toronto that at first was mystifying, then kind of pretty, and now feels like it's taking over the city along with a smoky smell.

The air quality in the city is dismal because of it, with an Air Quality Health Index on Monday of 6 in the "moderate" range, also classified as the "unhealthy" range.

Unfortunately, the muggy haze is due to wildfires that have been raging up north.

Over 100 fires are blazing in northwestern Ontario, with winds blowing the smoke south.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to your health, so people are encouraged to take precautions with exposure.

The smokiness in the air led to views of a bright red sun which inspired tons of photos.

Throughout Monday, a thick smoky haze descended down upon the city.

While images of a city blanketed in haze are certainly surreal, the smell of smoke isn't so pleasant.

Hopefully the fires will subside soon and we can look forward to clearer skies and fresher air (well, as fresh as we can expect in Toronto).

Lead photo by

Mike Beauvais


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

$6.4B Ontario bridge's big moment arrives with an iconic cross-border handshake

Toronto was just named one of the top 10 most 'impossibly affordable' cities in the world

Construction for busiest station on future Toronto subway line is heating up

Popular Ontario road trip destination is being copied with fake version in Toronto

Giant 'beast' sized rats are completely taking over an Ontario city

Last Canada Child Benefit payments before big increase are going out next week

Tornado watches in effect for Southern Ontario as severe thunderstorm approaches

Someone got a horrible TTC tattoo and people in Toronto think it's absolutely hilarious