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Toronto Hits Worst Air Quality as Canadian Wildfires Blanket US

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Toronto recorded the world’s worst air quality on July 15, 2026 as orange-level smoke from northwestern Ontario covered the city.
Smoke from over 830 Canadian wildfires drifted into the United States, prompting air-quality alerts in several states.
The National Weather Service warned PM2.5 could reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” while Environment Canada urged residents to stay indoors, use N95 masks and keep heat advisories and cooling centers in New Jersey and New York.

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Story summary

Toronto recorded the world’s worst air quality on July 15, 2026 as orange-level smoke from northwestern Ontario covered the city.
Smoke from over 830 Canadian wildfires drifted into the United States, prompting air-quality alerts in several states.
The National Weather Service warned PM2.5 could reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” while Environment Canada urged residents to stay indoors, use N95 masks and keep heat advisories and cooling centers in New Jersey and New York.