Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across Northern US
Canadian wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts across northern US, stretching from Montana to Vermont. Forecasters estimate that around 70 million people will be affected by decreased visibility and poor air quality, including residents of major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Cleveland.
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Anderson PattersonJul 18, 202319.6K Shares529.8K Views
Canadian wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts across northern US, stretching from Montana to Vermont.
Forecasters estimate that around 70 million people will be affected by decreased visibility and poor air quality, including residents of major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Cleveland.
Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported Across Multiple States
On Monday, the smoke stretched across the US, causing "unhealthy" air quality levels, reaching Level 4 out of 6 on the Air Quality Index in several states. The impact of the smoke extended as far south as northern Alabama.
While the smoke is expected to linger into Tuesday along parts of the East Coast, it is not forecasted to reach the same hazardous levels experienced in early June.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, the smoke should gradually become less potent as the week progresses.
The entire state of New York is currently under an air quality health advisory due to smoke from wildfires in western Canada.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the smoke is expected to reach "Unhealthy for All" levels in Upstate communities, leading to the activation of emergency notifications on roads and the distribution of masks.
Millions Of Americans Face Air Quality Alerts: Here’s Where Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Headed Next
Wildfires Continue To Rage In Canada
The plume of smoke is a result of nearly 400 wildfires that have erupted in Canada's British Columbia province over the past week.
Approximately half of these fires were sparked by 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms, exacerbating the situation in a province already grappling with severe drought conditions.
Canada is seeking federal assistance to combat the ongoing wildfires, as confirmed by a news release from Public Safety Canada.
At present, more than 880 fires are burning across Canada, with over 580 of them classified as "out of control" by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Tragedy struck on Sunday when authorities announced the death of a firefighter from Fort Liard who sustained injuries while battling a wildfire in the Fort Liard District.
This follows the confirmation of another firefighter's death near Revelstoke last week. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, tweeting that Canadians are keeping the fallen firefighters and their loved ones in their thoughts.
Health Risks And Ongoing Impact
The smoke from wildfires contains fine pollutants, known as PM 2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled.
These pollutants can cause respiratory difficulties, eye and throat irritation, and have been linked to serious long-term health issues, including lung cancer.
As Canada faces its worst fire season on record, parts of the United States will remain at risk of smoke exposure in the coming weeks, depending on weather patterns and fire conditions.
With over 24 million acres already burned, equivalent to the size of Indiana, British Columbia has been particularly hard hit, surpassing the average land burned over the past decade.
As the wildfires continue to blaze, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to affected areas.
Final Thoughts
The spread of Canadian wildfire smoke has led to air quality alerts across the northern United States, affecting millions of people.
The smoke, caused by numerous wildfires in British Columbia, has resulted in decreased visibility and poor air quality, prompting health advisories and emergency measures in several states.
The impact of the smoke is expected to persist but gradually improve as the week progresses.
The ongoing wildfires in Canada have already claimed the lives of firefighters, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
The health risks associated with the smoke underscore the importance of monitoring air quality and taking necessary precautions.
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Anderson Patterson
Reviewer
Anderson Patterson, a tech enthusiast with a degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, has over 5 years of experience in this industry.
Anderson's articles are known for their informative style, providing insights into the latest tech trends, scientific discoveries, and entertainment news.
Anderson Patterson's hobbies include exploring Crypto, photography, hiking, and reading.
Anderson Patterson's hobbies include exploring Crypto, photography, hiking, and reading.
In the Crypto niche, Anderson actively researches and analyzes cryptocurrency trends, writes informative articles about blockchain technology, and engages with different communities to stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities.
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