Air quality warning downgraded to yellow quality; risk lessening
Posted Jul 19, 2026 07:07:05 AM.
Last Updated Jul 20, 2026 03:07:44 PM.
As the forest fires throughout northwestern Ontario continue to send smoke southward, the Region of Waterloo’s local air quality rating has begun to improve, according to Environment Canada.
Environment Canada has downgraded the “orange” air quality warning that has been in effect since early last week to a more moderate “yellow” classification.
After Saturday saw the fifth straight day of a 10 or 10+ rating on the air-quality scale, equivalent to “very high risk”, Sunday has seen a drop in rating all the way down to 4. A rating of 4 represents a “moderate risk,” with Environment Canada still urging those to continue to monitor visibility on roads and consider limiting strenuous physical activities if you are experiencing symptoms due to air quality.
Despite the improving smoke levels, Environment Canada says to continue keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible and to keep an eye out for any respiratory symptoms or chest pains.
Active fires continue throughout the province, including some as far south as North Bay. The Ministry of Natural Resources forest fire map now shows 183 active fires as of Sunday at 7:00 a.m. British Columbia is also reporting 114 fires as of Sunday morning, as well as other provinces, including Nova Scotia.
Data courtesy of Environment Canada, updated Sunday, July 19 at 6:00 a.m.
You can learn more about wildfire smoke and its risk to your health at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
For further information, visit the website airqualityontario.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666.
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