The sky over St. Thomas has that hazy, yellow-tan look today, and the numbers back it up. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Air Quality Health Index for St. Thomas sat at 8, in the “high risk” range. London was reading even higher, up to 11, while Port Stanley, right on the lake, was much lower at around 4, so the shoreline air was a bit easier to breathe.
Environment Canada issued an Orange Air Quality Warning for Elgin and Oxford counties on Wednesday, and Southwestern Public Health passed the alert on to residents. Smoke from wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario is moving into the region, and officials say poor air quality could last into Friday. Southwestern Public Health’s advice: if you notice symptoms like a sore throat, a cough, or itchy eyes, cut back on time outside, and check in on neighbours who are older, very young, pregnant, or living with heart or lung conditions.
The smoke is arriving on top of a multi-day extreme heat warning that has covered the region since Monday, with today’s forecast high near 33 degrees and a feels-like reading of 34 this afternoon. Environment Canada meteorologist Kate Leclerc told CBC News the combination is tricky, especially for anyone who normally cools down at night by opening the windows. Her advice when heat and smoke collide: protect yourself from the heat first, then treat the smoke as the second priority.
Environment Canada recommends reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity today, and Southwestern Public Health says to head indoors, or somewhere with clean air like the library or a mall, if breathing gets difficult. Poor air quality may last into Friday, so it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast the next few days.
Sources: Southwestern Public Health, “Orange Air Quality Warning issued for Elgin and Oxford Counties,” July 15, 2026, Southwestern Public Health, “SWPH issues extreme heat warning July 13-16,” July 2026, CBC News, “Heat, wildfire smoke combine to create dangerous conditions across southwestern Ontario,” July 15, 2026
Edited by Anthony Zruna · About the LocVox Newsroom