Poor air quality expected for Waterloo region and area due to wildfire smoke

CBC

31-07-2025

Smoke from wildfires in the prairies is moving from the west into Waterloo region, Guelph, Wellington County and the surrounding area and it's prompted Environment Canada to issue a poor air quality warning, with conditions including reduced visibility.
The bad air system which creeped into parts of southern Ontario Wednesday night is expected to clear up Thursday night, but Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada says to expect more warnings.
"By Thursday evening, it should be at least better, may not be good, but it will be an improving situation through the day today and that will continue. That trend of improvement will continue through Saturday," said Flisfeder.
"Right now though, as we are looking at model guidance for later in the weekend, it looks like we could get into another spell of smoke making its way to southern Ontario. So be on the lookout for those advisories to be reissued later this weekend potentially. When it comes to smoke, and air quality as a result of that smoke, it is something that changes on a day-to-day basis."
There are also air quality warnings for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of southern Quebec.
Health warnings
The bad air quality brings with it health risks including eye, nose and throat irritation as well as headaches an minor coughs. There are more serious symptoms including wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough.
"The best way to stay healthy and away from the smoke is to remain indoors with the windows closed," said Flisfeder.
"I would recommend limiting time outdoors as much as possible. If you have to be outdoors, wearing a mask can help with the air quality that you're breathing. Help filter out the pollutants that are in the in the atmosphere near the surface. But staying indoors as much as possible is the best advice that we can give while the air quality is so poor."