Is the air quality good in Montreal?
As of August 8, 2025, Montreal, Quebec is experiencing poor air quality due to drifting wildfire smoke from the Canadian Prairies.
Montreal ranked 9th among the most polluted cities in the world on Thursday evening, reflecting significant degradation in local air conditions.
For a more detailed look, see Montreal’s air quality map.
Montreal was listed as the 9th most polluted major city on the afternoon of August 8, at 2:50 PT. Source: IQAir.
Why is there an air quality alert in Montreal?
The air quality alert in Montreal has been issued because wildfire smoke from fires burning across the Prairie provinces, particularly Saskatchewan and Manitoba is drifting southeast into Ontario.
These fires have generated high concentrations of particulate matter, reducing visibility and significantly affecting air quality in the region. The smoke is being pushed toward the surface by a high-pressure system, worsening conditions on the ground.
Hourly air quality forecast for Montreal, Quebec on August 8 Source: IQAir.
Air quality is forecasted to improve in the city later in the evening.
Which cities are being affected by wildfire smoke?
The following cities are currently experiencing wildfire smoke impact:
- Binghamton, New York
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Buffalo, New York
- Ottawa, Ontario
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Rochester, New York
Map of air quality in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State on August 8. Source: IQAir.
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.
