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Millions of Americans in 20 states on alert for poor air quality

Smoke from Canada's wildfires has blanketed much of the nation. The situation is expected to worsen in places such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Atlanta.

The Empire State Building is obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires hanging over New York, prompting concerns about air quality on June 6, 2023 in New York.

( ZUMAPRESS.com / Cordon Press )

Published by
Verónica Silveri Pazos

Millions of Americans in 20 states across the country are on alert for poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.

So far in 2023 alone, wildfire burning in the neighboring country has scorched a record 19.5 million-plus acres. Nearly 500 fires remain active, and more than 250 are out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Wildfire Centre.

Smoke will cover much of the country in the coming days

Smoke from Canada is already covering much of the nation. It has already affected the state of Iowa and has moved into western Pennsylvania and North Carolina. It is expected to arrive in Minnesota and move on to Washington, D.C.

By Thursday morning, it will cover Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. In the afternoon it will move from Detroit to Atlanta. New York could also be affected, although much of the smoke is expected to accumulate in western New York state, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

The smoke is predicted to dissipate this Friday as showers and thunderstorms hit the region.

Chicago with a "very unhealthy" air

The air in the city of Chicago reached the "very unhealthy" category, hitting 250 on Tuesday afternoon. Any number above 100 is considered unhealthy, according to the Air Quality Index. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement:

We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors. For additional precautions, all Chicagoans may also consider wearing masks, limiting their outdoor exposure, moving activities indoors, running air purifiers, and closing windows.

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