Canada's toxic cloud is spreading across the nation. The more than 400 fires raging in the neighboring country are wreaking havoc in the United States with a total of 18 states at risk from reduced air quality. According to the National Weather Service on Wednesday, the air quality index was at 185 points, which implies that it is "unhealthy" and could cause health problems for residents in different parts of the nation.
The contamination reached points as far away as Florida and Texas, as can be seen on the AirNow map, the website provided by the National Weather Service for the points affected by the toxic cloud.:
New York, the most affected city
The city that is experiencing the most problems is New York City where the air quality index is above 400 points. Since Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul recommended citizens to stay indoors and try to avoid going outside as much as possible to avoid health problems, meanwhile the networks are filled with videos showing New York City dyed orange:
New Yorkers: The best way to stay safe right now is to stay indoors.
We highly recommend outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.
If you must be outside for significant periods, wear a high-quality mask to reduce exposure.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 7, 2023
Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.
Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.
More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6E pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023
BREAKING: The Air Quality Index in New York City has spiked to 342, which is the “Hazardous” category. This means everyone is at a high risk of adverse health effects. There’s currently no other major city anywhere on Earth with worse air quality. #NYwx pic.twitter.com/kjthgQzNq2
— Collin Gross (@CollinGrossWx) June 7, 2023
Poor air quality reaches the rest of the nation
Washington D.C. and Philadelphia are also feeling the far reaching effects of the Canadian fires. As well as other areas throughout the country such as Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles, among others, where the toxic cloud is not as visible but the damage is just as damaging:
😷 Air quality is terrible across parts of the Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this morning as a result of the wildfires in Canada. 😷 We are staying indoors today!
Cameras from Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, Pa., New York City and Brunswick, Ohio. pic.twitter.com/EewYoEUt4E
— WeatherBug (@WeatherBug) June 7, 2023
It's a very hazy start to our Wednesday. Tracking the plume of wildfire smoke that will continue to limit our visibility and reduce our air quality today. Here's a quick look at the forecast below:@DCNewsNow #smoke #haze #DC #DCNewsNow pic.twitter.com/75YEyNs5SY
— Jackie Layer (@WeatherJackie) June 7, 2023
Here's a look at a #Philadelphia, #Pennsylvania livecam just now looking at Citizens Bank Park, where the @Phillies have rescheduled their game tonight due to the hazardous air quality in the area. #WildFire #Smoke. 😲 #pawx @NWS_MountHolly pic.twitter.com/mWXaLcriQC
— BirdingPeepWx (@BirdingPeepWx) June 7, 2023
In these states and cities, it is once again commonplace to see images that have not been seen for years, with citizens taking to the streets wearing masks to avoid being contaminated by the air. A measure that experts such as Purvi Parikh, a member of the American Respiratory Care Association, recommends to all the inhabitants to follow until the toxic cloud dissipates: "Believe it or not, masking just like we did with Covid can be helpful in acting as a barrier between you and reduce the amount of particulate matter that you breathe in."
