Some reports indicate that multiple wildfires in the northwestern provinces of Canada are once again releasing significant smoke, which is affecting the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States.
On Thursday, winds from the north began to drive the smoke southward into states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Air Quality Alerts have been issued across Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, and northern Indiana, impacting over 100 million people in major cities, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit.
Images from Minneapolis early Thursday depicted a heavy haze enveloping the city.
The Air Quality Index in Wisconsin has surged to “very unhealthy” levels, making it one of the worst in the nation as of late Thursday morning.
By Thursday morning, Wisconsin recorded six of the country’s lowest air quality measurements.
As of 11:30 AM, both Chicago and Minneapolis ranked among the worst air quality indices globally for major cities.
“Very unhealthy” air quality indicates that everyone may experience health issues when outdoors at any time.
Air quality alerts are in place until Saturday.
Chicago recorded the poorest air quality in the world for several hours on Thursday.
Conditions are expected to improve by this weekend.
By Friday, forecasts suggested smoke would shift further south into Illinois and Missouri, impacting areas deeper into the Northeast.
Besides the decline in air quality, the smoke is also causing reduced visibility in some regions.
However, air quality in Minnesota and Wisconsin is anticipated to improve by Saturday.
Wildfires in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba have been active all summer, and this isn’t the first time smoke has drifted southward this season. Last week, similar conditions impacted air quality alerts in New York City and Boston as well.
