Saturday may be last day of major air quality risk, according to forecast
Posted Jul 18, 2026 07:18:27 AM.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2026 09:43:29 AM.
For the first time since the skies of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and the northern United States were blanketed by smoke from the northwestern Ontario wild fires, Saturday night finally sees a projected break in air quality concern from wildfire smoke.
A new air quality forecast posted by Environment Canada Saturday morning suggests air levels should drop from the maximum of 10+ (or “very high risk”) to just a level of 2 by Sunday morning (considered “low risk”). Levels will already begin to drop as early as Saturday evening, with a projected level of 6 forecasted by Saturday night (considered “moderate risk”).
Data courtesy of Environment Canada
The levels of smoke pollution will not be consistent throughout the day, as Environment Canada says conditions may improve and worsen sporadically throughout the morning into the early afternoon.
Environment Canada’s orange air quality warning remains in effect, and likely will throughout the weekend. Smoky skies will be paired with a chance of thunderstorms early Saturday, changing to just a 30 per cent chance of showers by late into the afternoon.
The air conditions will likely lead to the cancellation or postponement of more events in the region throughout the weekend, as has been taking place since earlier in the week.
As of 7 a.m. Saturday morning, no announcement has been made by the City of Kitchener as to the status of the Kitchener Market’s outdoor watch party for the World Cup, for the highly anticipated 5:00 p.m. clash between France and England.
The projected high temperature for the region on Saturday is 26, however, due to humidex and the air quality, that may feel as high as 35.
According to Ontario’s Forest Fire Info Map, the Ministry of Natural Resources is currently monitoring 185 active forest fires throughout northern Ontario, an increase from the 136 detected as of Friday afternoon. While over 300 previously monitored fires have been extinguished, many of the currently active blazes are identified by the ministry as “out of control”.
Environment Canada reminds you that “if you must spend time outdoors, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.”
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