The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System reports that the majority of wildfires are currently burning uncontrollably.
A significant cluster of fires in western Ontario has generated dense smoke plumes, severely impacting air quality in Thunder Bay and Toronto. Elevated smoke particles in the upper atmosphere are drifting over the Great Lakes region, affecting areas including New York, where hazy skies and vivid sunrise/sunset hues are expected.
While scattered thunderstorms are forecast across Ontario in the coming days, precipitation levels are unlikely to significantly mitigate the ongoing fire situation.
Northwesterly winds will persistently transport smoke into northern U.S. states through the weekend, raising concerns about potential impacts on New Jersey’s World Cup final venue on Sunday.
A shift in wind patterns by Monday is expected to redirect smoke toward Quebec, potentially improving air quality in regions further south.
Detroit currently holds the title for worst global air quality according to IQAir, followed by Minneapolis and Toronto.