GTA air quality worsens as wildfire smoke lingers

Air quality across the Greater Toronto Area deteriorated Thursday as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario spread over southern Ontario, according to Environment Canada. The federal weather agency kept an orangelevel air quality warning in place, with officials saying fine particulate pollution rose sharply compared with the previous two days. Toronto and nearby cities reached high to very high risk levels on the Air Quality Health Index, and visibility was reduced across the region. Meteorologists said conditions should begin to improve Thursday night as winds shift, with more relief possible on Friday before smoke may return briefly later in the week. Health officials advised residents to limit time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity, and use wellfitted masks and air purifiers where possible.