'Unhealthy' air quality for these states after Canadian wildfires: See map
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is impacting multiple U.S. states, even as far south as Florida.
As over 203 active fires rage in Canada as of June 4, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, wind carrying smoke from the fires have engulfed states in the eastern and central U.S.
Many states are reporting moderate air quality levels, but conditions are worse in areas closer to the U.S.-Canadian border.
Multiple states in the mid-to-upper Midwest have been flagged as unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for the overall population, regardless of health conditions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow tracker. Areas of Wisconsin and northern Michigan are reporting "unhealthy" air quality levels.
To check your state's air quality, visit AirNow's website, and plug in your zip code, city or state.
Here's what to know as of Wednesday, June 4.
Parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan have air quality that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups or unhealthy for all, according to AirNow.
"Children, active adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid outdoor exertion," according to the American Lung Association. "Everyone else should limit prolonged outdoor exertion."
Areas in the following states have air that is considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," which includes people with health conditions like asthma:
Indiana
Iowa
Illinois
Kansas
Michigan
Missouri
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin
Here, "children, active adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion," according to the American Lung Association.
Wildfire smoke can irritate one's eyes, nose, and throat and cause:
Coughing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fatigue
Particulate matter, a type of air pollutant that is made of small particles of solids or liquids that are suspended in the air, is one of the main components of wildfire smoke, as USA TODAY previously reported.
According to Yale Medicine, the particles can be 10 micrometers, PM 10, or as small as 2.5 micrometers, PM 2.5, and the smaller one poses a lot of health risks.
PM2.5 is so tiny it can easily pass people's usual defense mechanisms and dive deep into their lungs. Not only can it damage lung function, but it can also pass into the bloodstream and travel to other organs.
The following is linked to exposure to the PM 2.5:
Heart attack
Stroke
Lung cancer
Decline in cognitive function
Contributing: Janet Loehrke, Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets, Yoonserk Pyun; USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canadian wildfires affect air quality in US: See map
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
I don't like to be all alone'; Potlotek Dad's Group keeping men healthy
POTLOTEK - Potlotek First Nation member Louis Marshall and a few other men may have found a solution to staying healthy and it doesn't involve stereotypical male pursuits. A study released at the end of May by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF) discloses that more Canadian men than ever are struggling with high levels of stress, and half of them lack the social support systems that would keep them from higher levels of depression or anxiety. According to a recent press release, the organization's data garnered from a survey taken in April, 2025 of 2,000 men across the country shows a significantly higher level of social isolation among men living alone (73 per cent), younger men aged 19-29 (67 per cent) and racialized men (59 per cent ). CMHF launched an initiative for the month of June called #NeverAlone – a national campaign focused on raising awareness and highlighting the importance of social connection during Men's Health Month. But that's no mystery to Marshall or the handful of other members of the 'Dad's Group' that meets every Friday morning in Potlotek. 'I don't like to be all alone during the day when my family is at school,' he says. 'Meeting here helps my anxiety.' Marshall's mother just passed away and he says it's been helpful to get out with others who support and listen to him. VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES Fellow group member, Russell Battiste says the Dad's Group is a good place to interact with other men, socialize and learn skills such as how to cook. With the help of facilitator and family resource worker Luz Blandon the group hosts different activities every week. The gatherings function as a place for men – and sometimes their children – to learn about such things as emergency preparedness, barbering, and especially – cooking. They say they will have more outdoor activities as the weather gets better, and hope to take on some arts and crafts projects. 'This group has been helping the men in many ways,' says facilitator Blandon. 'It has helped with socialization, support for what's going on in their lives, and isolation, We also are able to get them places they need to be if they don't have transportation.' The group plays bingo every month and has conversations at times about mental, physical and emotional health care. And their children are always welcome if it is a day off school. Two recent activities they engaged in were making pizzas from scratch to have lunch together and gathering with other community members one evening to decorate jackets for the Blue Jean Jacket Day in honour of murdered, missing and exploited Indigenous men and boys held annually on June 6. 'This group gives me something to do and something to look forward to,' says Louis Marshall. Winston Marshall has been attending the group for about a year. He says he likes being with people and especially learning more cooking skills and the good conversation he can find each week. 'I just keep asking other people what they want to do and ask them to come out to the group,' he says. Group members say everyone is open to suggestions from others about activities they would like to do or learn about. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Will wildfire smoke from Canada, Saharan dust reach Mississippi? Here's what to expect
Mississippi is in for a double whammy this week. The first rounds of Saharan dust are set to sweep across the coast midweek. Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires in Canada is being pushed to the U.S. The haze is affecting air quality across a significant portion of the country, reaching the Gulf, including Florida. The air quality forecast from AirNow, an Environmental Protection Agency site, says Mississippi is under a moderate air quality index for June 4. Here's what to know about the next few days of summer weather in Mississippi, and how you can prepare for lower air quality. As of June 3, more than 200 wildfires were burning in Canada. More than half were out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and some firefighters from the U.S. are going to help in Alberta and Manitoba. Smoke has affected air quality in the northern and central U.S. for days, and several states have issued air quality alerts. As of June 3, the smoke had drifted south and east, reaching the Eastern Coast as far south as Florida. According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, most of the smoke has stayed high in the atmosphere, but it can reach the surface at night. The smoke could cause vibrant sunrises and sunsets but shouldn't be a cause for concern at ground level. The smoke will stay through at least midweek. A forecast created by shows Mississippi getting a more solid smoke covering on June 4 and 5. A massive plume is set to spread over Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama around the middle of the week. An AccuWeather forecast shows it hitting Florida on June 4 and pushing over to the Magnolia State by June 6. The dust waves will keep coming all summer. Also known as the Saharan Air Layer, the annual weather phenomenon can help dampen hurricanes. It brings stellar sunsets and sunrises to the U.S. and can affect air quality. Just like the name sounds like, dust and dirt from the Sahara Desert in Africa. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the dry, dusty air forms over the arid region from spring through autumn. Tradewinds can catch the dust, pushing a 2-2.5 mile thick layer in the atmosphere about a mile above the ground or ocean. According to NOAA, it's common for Saharan dust to cross the Atlantic to the Western hemisphere. In the U.S., bands will hit about every three to five days. It usually starts around June, and the strongest activity is from June to the middle of August. Fact check: Magnetic residue in video is sand from Sahara, not evidence of 'chemtrails' Yes. Smoke and Saharan dust can affect air quality. Both can trigger coughing and sinus issues for some people, especially if the coverage is thick. If you're concerned, use a mask outside and an air purifier with a filter indoors. People with asthma or other health issues affected by air quality might want to stay inside as much as possible when the dust is heavy in your area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Saharan dust as a form of particulate pollution. It's made of sand and minerals, but it's not the same kind of dust as the household variety with dust mites. Smoke also has small particles that can cause eye to burn, respiratory inflammation and damage the heart and lungs. It can cause headaches and bronchitis. Is Mississippi at risk this year? See summer wildfire forecast from AccuWeather Sort of. It can suppress the energy needed for hurricanes to form and intensify. It's more like starving a storm than making one stop in its tracks automatically. Large amounts of dust can keep the surface of the ocean slightly cooler, which can help prevent storms from growing or forming. According to the National Weather Service, the lower humidity and warm, dry air can also weaken an existing storm with downdrafts or throw off the heat signature of a cyclone. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Wildfire smoke from Canada, Saharan dust heading to MS. What to expect
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Orangetheory opening new studios in 6 states this year. See where.
Orangetheory continues to add locations to its growing fitness studio chain. The one-hour workout gym, which describes itself as the "multivitamin of workouts," operates nearly 1,300 studios and sees growth opportunities in mid-sized cities and suburban markets, the company said in an email to USA TODAY. Orangetheory also pointed to growth opportunities in larger markets including Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle. Orangetheory merged with Self Esteem Brands in 2024 and is now a part of the Purpose Brands portfolio, which includes Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness and SUMHIIT Fitness along with other fitness and wellness brands. Here's where Orangetheory Fitness is set to open new locations. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Where is Orangetheory opening new locations? Orangetheory told USA TODAY it plans to open 13-17 new studios across the U.S. in 2025, with an emphasis on markets where the company sees continued demand. The company is planning to open locations in the following cities in 2025: Davis, California Visalia, California Hebron, Kentucky Fenway, Massachussets Centerville, Ohio Florence, South Carolina San Antonio, Texas Woodlake, Virginia Where has Orangetheory already opened new locations? Orangetheory has opened seven new studios so far this year, according to the company. Here's where: Fairfield, California West Boynton, Florida Carrolton, Georgia Gainesville, Georgia Grand Rapids, Michigan White Lake, Michigan West Harlem, New York Where are future locations planned for 2026 and beyond? Orangetheory noted it sees growth opportunities in markets including Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, Baltimore-Washington, D.C., Boston-Providence and Los Angeles. The company also said it has signed agreements for three new studios in North Carolina and six in Utah.
