Latest news with #AQI
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Thousands Warned To Go Inside If They Start Coughing
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thousands of Americans in northern and central Maine were under an air quality alert on Wednesday after state officials warned of unhealthy pollution levels from wildfire smoke. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported that fine particle pollution from smoke had pushed air quality into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category, prompting warnings for residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and to stay alert for respiratory symptoms. Why It Matters The alert comes as smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended across the U.S. throughout the summer, creating hazy skies in some areas while blanketing other regions with smoke that is thick enough to cause physical symptoms. The most recent alert in Maine emphasized heightened risks for vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, people with asthma or heart diseases, and those working or exercising outdoors. A stock photo of a man coughing. A stock photo of a man coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty What to Know The alert affects thousands from Allagash to Topsfield, including key cities such as Caribou, Houlton, Greenville, and Millinocket, and was scheduled to remain in effect until midnight. Smoke and particle pollution, primarily traced to wildfires burning in Canada, contributed to the degraded air quality, which officials said may persist until at least Thursday. "Smoke is expected to continue to impact Maine on Thursday. It should start to clear out later in the day," the air quality alert from the DEP said. State health authorities urged people experiencing coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, or chest discomfort to immediately limit outdoor exposure. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued the air quality alert for the following regions: Northwest Aroostook, Northeast Aroostook, Northern Somerset, Northern Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot, Southeast Aroostook, Central Piscataquis, Central Penobscot, Southern Piscataquis, and Northern Washington counties. Affected cities include Allagash, Clayton Lake, Madawaska, Fort Kent, Frenchville, Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren, Mars Hill, Ashland, Millinocket, Greenville, Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, and several others, covering much of the northern and central part of the state. Officials expected the highest concentration of smoke and particle pollution to begin dissipating by Wednesday evening. However, polluted air and moderate particle levels could linger into Thursday as the smoke plume gradually exits the region. Local and federal data confirmed the region was experiencing pollution levels classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, in which the Air Quality Index (AQI) measures between 101 and 150, meaning that susceptible individuals could experience adverse health effects, while the general public could also be affected with prolonged exposure." The AQI scale used for these alerts helps residents understand the severity of pollution. Officials warned that exposure to AQI considered unhealthy for sensitive groups may cause health effects for sensitive individuals and could begin to affect the general public with prolonged or strenuous outdoor exposure. For the remainder of Maine, particle and ozone levels were expected to remain in the moderate AQI range. What People Are Saying National Weather Service (NWS) Caribou in an air quality alert: "The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." NWS meteorologist Alice Brennan told Newsweek: "Based on forecasting, [the smoke] should start to clear out a bit. The heaviest was definitely today and should start to gradually push out by tomorrow. There is a low-pressure system coming in that's going to bring a good chance for thunderstorms, especially north of I-95, so gusty winds, heavy rainfall, things like that." What Happens Next Air quality across Maine is expected to improve as denser smoke moves out by Wednesday evening. However, some particle pollution may persist into Thursday until wind patterns fully clear the region. State agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and will update forecasts and advisories as conditions change.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
A mixed bag: Intense rain, some sunshine, satisfactory air
New Delhi: Parts of Delhi experienced brief but intense showers early Wednesday afternoon, which the weather department classified as light to moderate rainfall. The day remained mostly overcast, with occasional sunny breaks, even as scattered rain was reported across various areas of the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Safdarjung — the city's base weather station — recorded 15 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30pm, all of which occurred before 2.30 pm. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather, said that the monsoon trough is expected to remain close to Delhi until Thursday, potentially bringing further localised heavy rainfall. Rain intensity is likely to decrease by Friday as the trough shifts away. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Meanwhile, Safdarjung recorded a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.4 degrees Celsius. IMD forecasts Delhi's maximum temperature to hover between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday, while the minimum is expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. Despite the rainfall, the city's air quality saw a slight dip. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 67 (satisfactory) on Wednesday, up from 51 (satisfactory) a day earlier. TNN
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Thousands in 8 States Advised Against Going Outside
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Americans in at least eight states face potentially unhealthy levels of air pollution on Wednesday, official data shows. The data is shown in a live map from AirNow—a partnership of multiple U.S. federal and local agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why It Matters Experts caution that unhealthy air quality heightens health risks for vulnerable people, such as older adults, young children, and those with respiratory illnesses. What To Know According to AirNow's interactive map, on Wednesday morning a pocket of unhealthy air was located in northern California and southern Oregon, east of Medford. The map showed another zone of unhealthy air over northern Washington. Additionally, areas of air quality in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category included the Utah-Colorado border, the Spring Mountains in Nevada east of Pahrump, northern Montana, southeast Michigan, and northwest Maine. AirNow's map highlighted areas facing the worst air quality on Wednesday morning. AirNow's map highlighted areas facing the worst air quality on Wednesday morning. AirNow Cleveland, Ohio, also faced similar air quality levels as of Wednesday morning, the AirNow map showed. Air quality is usually communicated using the Air Quality Index (AQI). This measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above. 0–50 (Green): Good. Air quality is satisfactory. Good. Air quality is satisfactory. 51–100 (Yellow): Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101–150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. 151–200 (Red): Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. 201–300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. 301 and above (Maroon): Hazardous. The air quality requires a health warning of emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to be affected. As of Wednesday, air quality alerts had been published by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several of these states, including Colorado, Ohio, Michigan, and Maine. When levels of ozone or particulate matter in the air reach potentially unhealthy levels, authorities advise everyone to reduce long or intense outdoor activities. Sensitive groups are advised to reschedule outdoor activities or move them indoors. What People Are Saying Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek that there were "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The AirNow map is regularly updated. Agencies such as the NWS also issue regular forecast updates.
News18
11 hours ago
- Climate
- News18
Heavy Rain Lashes J&K's Reasi, Orange Alert Issued Till July 23; Helicopter Services Hit
Last Updated: Heavy rainfall disrupted helicopter services in Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir. IMD issued an orange alert till July 23. Heavy rainfall lashed Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The rain led to disruptions in helicopter services in the the district where revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is situated. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an orange alert for the region, forecasting heavy rainfall from today till July 23. Despite the adverse weather, devotees continued to arrive at the holy cave shrine for darshan of the Goddess. The entire shrine complex, including the Bhawan area, was enveloped by dense clouds that reduced visibility in the area. Authorities have urged pilgrims and visitors to stay updated with weather advisories. Besides Jammu and Kashmir, the IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states, including in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala & Mahe, Punjab and Uttarakhand. 'Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall very likely at isolated places over Bihar, Chhattisgarh, East Uttar Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala & Mahe, Punjab and Uttarakhand," the IMD tweeted. 'Heavy Rainfall very likely at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Konkan & Goa, Lakshadweep, Madhya Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, South Interior Karnataka, Sub Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Tamil Nadu Puducherry & Karaikal and West Uttar Pradesh," the IMD further wrote on X. Rain Lashes Delhi Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed several parts of the national capital on Wednesday, bringing down the temperatures. The areas that received rain included those in Central Delhi, South Delhi and South East Delhi. Delhi on Wednesday recorded a minimum temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius, three notches below the season's normal, the weather office said. The relative humidity at 8.30am was 89 per cent. The air quality was recorded in the satisfactory category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9am stood at 60. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 20:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Avoid Driving In 9 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans across nine states were urged to avoid driving and limit outdoor activities on Wednesday as air quality alerts were issued due to potentially hazardous pollution levels. Why It Matters The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that exposure to ozone may irritate the respiratory tract, cause airway inflammation, and aggravate existing conditions like asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Vulnerable populations—such as older adults, children and individuals with lung diseases—are at greater risk. What To Know The National Weather Service (NWS), in collaboration with local agencies, issued advisories for parts of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine as of early Wednesday. Areas affected by the alerts included western Colorado, the greater Chicago area in Illinois, northwest Indiana, southwest Michigan, central Ohio and northern Maine. In the state of New York, the Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and New York counties were under alert, as well as Ulster, Dutchess, and Sullivan counties. Massachusetts' Hampden and Hampshire counties were under alert, as were Fairfield and Litchfield counties in Connecticut. Alerts for these areas warned that ground level ozone concentrations could reach unhealthy levels, particularly for sensitive groups, who were advised to limit outdoor exposure. Residents were encouraged to reduce vehicle use, carpool, and avoid other activities that contribute to air pollution such as using gasoline-powered lawn equipment. Air quality is usually communicated using the Air Quality Index (AQI). This measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above. 0–50: Good. Air quality is satisfactory. Good. Air quality is satisfactory. 51–100: Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. 151–200: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. 201–300: Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. 301 and above: Hazardous. The air quality requires a health warning of emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to be affected. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the latest air quality alert was set to remain in effect until midnight Wednesday night. The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
