Wildfires in Canada send smoke drifting across the US. The forecast, how Ohio is affected
Smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to drift over the United States and has made it harder to breathe in some states.
How is Ohio being impacted? Here's what to know.
According to USA TODAY, smoke from blazes in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba is pouring over the border.
On May 31, parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and other states were all experiencing moderate to unhealthy air quality due to the levels of smoke particulates, according to the national air quality map from AirNow.gov.
And as of June 2, AirNow.gov's Fire and Smoke Map is showing moderate to unhealthy air quality as far south as South Carolina, Georgia and Florida as wildfire smoke continues to move southeast across the US.
According to the smoke and wildfire map available at data.cincinnati.com, wildfire smoke is covering all of Ohio. The map, which is drawn using information from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, among others, shows heavier smoke over the eastern portion of the state, including Akron and Canton, and lighter smoke to the west, including Columbus and Cincinnati.
The animated map from FireSmoke Canada, a team of forecasters at the University of British Columbia, shows smoke sticking around over Ohio until June 4, the farthest ahead the map forecasts.
Air quality in Ohio, per AirNow.gov's map, ranges from good to moderate. AirNow defines moderate quality as "Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution."
The air quality forecast for Akron shows moderate air quality on June 2, which will continue through June 5.
In Columbus, June 2's moderate air quality also is expected to continue through June 5, with air quality improving on June 6.
And in Cincinnati, the air quality on June 2 is moderate, and no further information was available.
If air quality worsens in your area due to wildfire smoke, it's a good idea to limit time outdoors, experts say.
The small particles in wildfire smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can also cause headaches and bronchitis.
Avoid physical exertion, including indoors, if air quality becomes unhealthy. While inside, keep windows and doors shut. Leave off any air conditioning or fan systems that pull air from outside, and use air filters or air purifiers. If you can't buy a commercial portable air filter, you can create your own. One example is the Corsi-Rosenthal box made from simple materials of air filters, a box fan, and duct tape.
If you must go outside, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator mask to protect yourself. Keep your trips outside short.
You should also watch out for your pets when air quality is bad because they can't wear a respirator mask to protect themselves, but still may need to go outside. Keep their bathroom trips outside short, and watch out for signs of distress such as red or watery eyes and nose, coughing or gagging and increased respiratory rate.
You can monitor air quality in your area at AirNow.gov.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fires in Canada send smoke drifting across US. Forecast, Ohio impact
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