Air quality warning in Waterloo Region extended to Friday

Waterloo Region and Guelph residents woke up Thursday to more thick smoke, and strong smells of campfire. A severe orange level air quality alert remained in effect, with Environment Canada expecting the poor air conditions to continue into Friday. Official said it could potentially improve ahead of the weekend. For most of the day Wednesday, [...] The post Air quality warning in Waterloo Region extended to Friday appeared first on CityNews Kitchener .

Waterloo Region and Guelph residents woke up Thursday to more thick smoke, and strong smells of campfire. A severe orange level air quality alert remained in effect, with Environment Canada expecting the poor air conditions to continue into Friday. Official said it could potentially improve ahead of the weekend.

For most of the day Wednesday, the Air Quality Index reading in Waterloo Region and Guelph was at a 10+, the highest it could go, or very high risk. Those severe air quality levels were still off the chart on Thursday morning, with officials not expecting much improvement throughout the day. Data provided by Environment Canada Wednesday, several local municipalities closed outdoor pools, splash pads, outdoor activities, and moved summer camps inside.

Burn bans have been issued across Waterloo Region as well. The World Cup viewing party in downtown Kitchener was also cancelled due to the poor air quality concerns. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” reads the warning from Environment Canada

The warning urges residents to limit time outdoors, reschedule outdoor sports or events, and monitor for symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, mild cough, wheezing, chest pain or severe cough. Those most vulnerable – including older adults, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with chronic conditions and outdoor workers – are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Due to air quality concerns, City of Kitchener programs, events and services may be impacted https://t.co/AYgFVFi76v

Please check link regularly for additional updates. pic.twitter.com/Vxs7EY0KEB — City of Kitchener (@CityKitchener) July 15, 2026 In northwestern Ontario , there was concern Thursday that winds out of the northwest could fan the flames of dozens of forest fires that have already devastated communities in northern Ontario. Environment Canada says the community of Armstrong can expect widespread smoke with wind gusts of up to 40 kilometres per hour for most of today.

The fires have prompted evacuation orders for several communities, including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. Premier Doug Ford has said crews are hard at work fighting more than 180 wildfires across northern Ontario, and the province will spare no expense in keeping people safe. Ontario forest fire officials on Tuesday said there were 148 active fires in the northwest region alone, including 69 that were out of control.

With files from the Canadian Press Related Air quality warning upgraded to severe orange-level in Waterloo Region An air quality warning remains in effect across Waterloo Region and surrounding areas. The region was put under a warning for poor air quality that began Wednesday and the conditions may not improve... 12h ago Burn bans announced due to poor air quality Wildfire smoke blanketed Waterloo Region and beyond on Wednesday which triggered an air quality alert and prompted local municipalities to announce burn bans. The City of Kitchener enacted a temporary... 12h ago Residents in parts of northern Ontario ordered out because of growing forest fires Residents of a handful of communities in northwestern Ontario have been ordered to leave their homes due to nearby forest fires.

Ontario Provincial Police said on social media that evacuation orders... 21h ago Fast-moving fires destroy homes in northern Ontario as crews fight flames Winds out of the northwest could fan the flames of dozens of forest fires that have already devastated communities in northern Ontario. Environment Canada says the community of Armstrong can expect... 4m ago The post Air quality warning in Waterloo Region extended to Friday appeared first on CityNews Kitchener .