Millions Across 3 States Told to Close Windows, Limit Outside Activity

Miami Herald

2 days ago

Millions of residents in Texas, Minnesota, and Michigan are under air quality alerts this weekend as authorities warn of unhealthy levels of ozone and fine particle pollution.
The alerts come as wildfires are burning across Canada, creating harmful conditions and affecting air quality.
Smoke and airborne pollutants can be especially hazardous for individuals with respiratory conditions.
So far this year, wildfires have scorched over 1.58 million acres in Canada—roughly 40 percent above the 10-year average for this time of year, CNN reported.
The air quality issues affecting these three states stem from a combination of factors. In Texas, high temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions have created an environment conducive to ozone buildup. In Minnesota and Michigan, strong northerly winds are carrying smoke from the Canadian wildfires, impacting air quality across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.
Residents in affected areas are advised to check air quality forecasts, limit outdoor activities, avoid exercising outside during peak pollution hours, and use air conditioning systems to keep indoor air clean. Health officials warn that these alerts may extend into the following week if weather conditions persist.
In Minnesota, the entire state is under an Air Quality Alert issued by the state's Pollution Control Agency. It remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2.
Smoke from massive wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, has been pushed south by northerly winds, blanketing Minnesota in a dense haze.
The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the orange and red categories, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and the general population in northern parts of the state. The heaviest concentrations of smoke are predicted for Saturday afternoon, with temporary clearing overnight before more smoke returns on Sunday and Monday.
Health officials advise residents, particularly children, seniors, and those with asthma or heart disease, to stay indoors, limit exertion, and avoid opening windows. Running air conditioners with high-efficiency filters is also recommended to help reduce indoor pollution.
In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared an Air Quality Advisory that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Saturday. The advisory covers a wide area stretching from Grand Rapids and Lansing to Detroit and the Upper Peninsula.
Fine particulate levels from wildfire smoke have reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, prompting warnings to limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep windows closed.
Health officials in Michigan are urging residents to watch for symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, especially among vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions.
Residents are also encouraged to use air conditioning systems equipped with MERV-13 or higher-rated filters to help maintain cleaner indoor air.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued Ozone Action Days for the El Paso area, the Dallas-Fort Worth region, and the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area. These alerts run from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday for El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth, and throughout Saturday for the Houston area.
Cities such as Downtown El Paso, West El Paso, Upper Valley, Socorro, and Fort Bliss are affected. Residents are urged to reduce activities that produce ozone, such as unnecessary vehicle trips, idling, and outdoor burning. High ozone levels are especially dangerous for children, older adults, and those with existing respiratory or heart conditions, potentially causing throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: "Most of the time, the smoke will be high-flying and dim the sun, leading to vivid sunrises and sunsets and causing a hazy appearance to the sky overhead.
"However, there will be episodes where the smoke can reach the lower levels of the atmosphere and affect visibility and air quality. That could be a safety concern for travel in extreme cases and pose health problems for some individuals with respiratory issues."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "I am in close contact with [Saskatchewan] @PremierScottMoe as his province responds to the growing wildfire situation. My government stands ready to mobilize federal support wherever needed.
"Saskatchewan, as you fight these wildfires and keep people safe, you have our full support."
Residents can stay updated through the National Weather Service and the EPA's AirNow websites, as well as through local state agency websites.
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