Is the air quality good in Toronto?
On February 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT, Toronto, Ontario is experiencing poor air quality due to a mix of local pollutant sources. The AQI is classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Though Toronto can be strongly impacted by smoke during wildfire season, it is unusual for air quality to be poor in February.
A number of cities in the Great Lakes region and south into the Ohio Valley are experiencing poor air quality, possibly due to temperature inversions, morning traffic emissions, and home heating practices. Regional cities experiencing poor air quality include Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and Detroit, Michigan.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Toronto.
While the air quality conditions on Tuesday morning are unusually poor, it is notable tthat the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Toronto was 6.9 µg/m3. This corresponds to an AQI of 38, which falls into the “good” category and was ~1.4 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3.
Toronto was listed as the 25th most polluted major city on February 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Toronto?
Air quality may improve later in the morning in both Toronto and in the Great Lakes region.
Hourly air quality forecast for Toronto, Ontario on February 3, 8:00 AM PT Source: IQAir.
Map of air quality in Ontario on February 3, 8:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Toronto?
The primary cause of air pollution in Toronto is vehicle emissions. Heavy morning traffic may be a factor in today's poor air quality. Industrial emissions and residential heating can also increase concentrations of PM2.5, the primary pollutant affecting Toronto this morning.
Winter temperatures may be encouraging residents to light fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, which can be a significant contributor to poor air quality.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
