July 16 weather: More smoke with 50 km/h wind gusts in southern Ontario

The heat wave is breaking but air quality warnings are expected on Thursday across the Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario due to wildfire smoke.

Environment Canada says the morning will bring a mix of sun and cloudy conditions with widespread smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario impacting air quality in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa and the Niagara Falls area.

Conditions may improve Friday morning, and the weather agency says the smoke could cause symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

Environment Canada warns smoke poses health risks for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with an illness or chronic health condition, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Limit time spent outdoors when smoke levels are high, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, and to keep windows and doors closed when possible, the weather agency says.

A northwest wind blowing around 30 km/h will gust up to around 50 km/h in the late morning hours. The daytime high will be around 29 C in Mississauga but could feel more like 33 C due to the humidity.

The UV index will be a 9 or “very high,” the weather agency says.

Thursday evening is expected to bring a few clouds with a north wind gusting up to around 40 km/h. The overnight low will be around 19 C.

Looking ahead to Friday, the smoke is expected to clear and conditions will be sunny with a high of 28 C. There’s a 40 per cent chance of showers in the evening and a low of 17 C expected.