Currently, Canada is combating over 200 active wildfires, causing smoke to drift southwards, affecting several U.S. states.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued air quality alerts spanning from Alberta to northern Ontario, while states like Minnesota and Michigan are experiencing “hazardous” and “very unhealthy” air quality levels.
According to alerts from Environment Canada, certain communities in Ontario may face poor air quality and diminished visibility due to lingering wildfire smoke for several days.
Warnings have been issued for northwest Alberta as well as central Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Additionally, air quality statements are active for northeast B.C., east central Alberta, Saskatchewan, and minor areas in Manitoba.
Northern U.S. states affected by smoke
Most of the impact from wildfire smoke is being felt in the upper Midwest U.S., with Minnesota warning that air quality in the east central, southeast, and northeast areas will fall into the unhealthy range, with alerts in place until Wednesday.
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According to a report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a substantial band of smoke from Canadian wildfires is advancing southeast through Minnesota and reached south central and northeast regions by Tuesday morning.
The agency advised that residents in east central, southeast, and northeast Minnesota should expect air quality to drop to the “unhealthy” level, particularly in the Twin Cities, where it’s recommended to decrease outdoor activities.
In western, central, and north-central areas, conditions fall under the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.
IQAir data indicates that locations like Ely, Minnesota, and Houghton, Michigan, are already reaching “hazardous” air quality levels.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has also advised limiting outdoor activities until at least Tuesday, citing several air quality advisories due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The agency added that the smoke is expected to shift from northwest to southeast throughout Tuesday, extending the advisory across the state later in the day.
Citing concerns for air quality, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services has issued a smoke advisory for its eastern region, noting that parts of the state may experience unhealthy air as the day progresses.
Forecasts from BlueSky suggest that smoke from the wildfires in Canada will keep heading southeast, potentially impacting Iowa and Nebraska.
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