Smoky conditions continue to cover the GTA, but relief is expected in the days ahead
Smoke from forest fires will continue to affect southern Ontario on Tuesday and possibly on Wednesday, Environment Canada said in a special air quality statement.
With clean air coming in from the east, air quality is expected to improve through Tuesday with "the worst of it" gone by Wednesday, says Lucas Alexopoulos, operational meteorologist with Environment Canada.
"We can expect some reduced air quality from forest fire smoke as we've seen the past couple of days. However, it shouldn't be as severe as it has been," he says.
The air quality statement is in effect for Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton, Pickering and Oshawa.
Showery conditions are expected later in the week, which will help clear air quality, says Alexopoulos.
The clearer conditions brought down Toronto's ranking to fifth for the world's worst air quality on Tuesday morning, according to a global ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
WATCH | What's contributing to Toronto's air pollution?:
Vulnerable people should reduce time outdoors: Environment Canada
People with vulnerabilities, such as respiratory conditions, are advised to reduce their time outdoors and follow guidelines set by local authorities, says Alexopoulos.
Symptoms can include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and a mild cough. While it's not as common, Environment Canada says wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough are also potential symptoms.
The national weather agency is advising people to keep their windows and doors closed and check in on others who live nearby who are more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
The agency also suggests using a good quality air filter inside ventilation systems or a portable air cleaner to protect indoor air from smoke.
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