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Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire smoke may trigger air quality advisories this week
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Wildfire smoke drifting into Rochester is adding a noticeable haze to the skies – and it's affecting more than just the view. While air quality levels remain low at the moment, that's not to say they aren't going to change. 'The wildfire smokes most people associate with particulate matter. And that would be the primary concern most times. But the wildfire smoke can contribute to ozone formation. And later this week, we are setting up for a situation where ozone formation is favorable,' said Margaret LaFarr, director for the division of air resources at the NYS DEC LaFarr notes that wildfire smoke could raise ozone levels enough to trigger advisories this week, though none have been issued yet. If they are, the effects could be felt by everyone, not just those with asthma or heart disease. 'The air pollution can still irritate your eyes, your throat. And your lungs. So, you just have to, basically listen to what your body is telling you in terms of any of those symptoms of, scratchy eyes or throat or, wheezing and adjust your activity accordingly,' said Dr. Daniel Croft, a pulmonologist and researcher with URMC. To stay safe from outdoor pollution, close windows, use the car's recirculate setting, and keep air flowing through your furnace filter though there are other steps to consider as well. 'When the temperature as it will in the coming days when it becomes very hot outside, if you are do not have a way to use fans or another way to cool yourselves in the indoors with the windows closed, please seek assistance,' Dr. Croft said. 'You might want to think about what time of day you go out and exercise and maybe get your run in early in the morning before the ozone levels really get to a higher level where it might affect you,' said LaFarr For the latest air quality level updates, residents are urged to visit government websites, like for the latest levels. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Canadian wildfire triggers air quality alerts in US but this state issues dire warning for residents. Check details
Thousands of residents in three provinces have been evacuated as dozens of wildfires remained active Sunday and diminished air quality in parts of Canada and the US. With more than a hundred wildfires burning in Canada, the smoke is bringing potentially dangerous air quality conditions to parts of the northern United States. Air quality alert in US Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has spread into the United States, impacting air quality as far south as Florida. Forecasters report that conditions in parts of Minnesota reached "very unhealthy" levels on June 3. The smoke is expected to continue drifting across the country, with much of the East Coast likely to experience moderate air quality by the end of the day, according to reports USA Today. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos' precautionary measure revealed ahead of his ultra-rich luxurious wedding with Lauren Sanchez by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Minnesota remains under a statewide air quality alert through midweek, with some areas experiencing air conditions ranging from unhealthy to very unhealthy due to smoke particulates. A visible gray haze was also reported in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 2, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network. Canadian wildfire smoke causing poor air quality Smoke from Canadian wildfires will thicken over the Pittsburgh area today, leading to poor air quality across the region. According to CBS News, Friday has a very low chance of being designated a First Alert Weather Day. Next Monday has a slightly higher—but still low—chance of meeting that threshold. Live Events Air quality will be at its worst in the Mon Valley today, primarily due to local industrial pollution rather than wildfire smoke. Expect increased activity on the 'Pittsburgh Smell' app. In addition to the wildfire smoke, ozone levels will spike this afternoon due to abundant sunshine. Ozone (O₃) forms when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction in the atmosphere, typically on clear, sunny days. ALSO READ: Jonathan Joss shot dead: Actor used to do weird things in the middle of the night, neighbours give shocking details There are over 200 wildfires burning in Canada as of June 3, with over 100 classified as "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The fires have forced thousands to evacuate. On June 2, the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, announced that 150 federal firefighting personnel from the United States are headed across the border to help fight fires in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. On Tuesday, smoke is expected to move into eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, possibly affecting areas like Minneapolis and Omaha, Nebraska. However, an approaching cold front with thunderstorms and strong winds may disperse the smoke, making its path harder to predict. Last week, the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba declared states of emergency due to the ongoing wildfires, with approximately 17,000 residents already evacuated, according to The Associated Press. Dry conditions and a lack of significant rainfall are continuing to fuel the fires, complicating firefighting efforts, Saskatchewan Public Safety reported on Sunday. In response, additional aircraft and firefighting personnel from other Canadian provinces and U.S. states — including Arizona, Oregon, and Alaska — are being deployed to assist, said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. ALSO READ: Donald Trump's new official portrait released by White House, netizens say 'this can't be real' Minnesota issues first ever 'Maroon' air quality alert On June 2, 2025, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued its first-ever "Maroon Alert" for air quality, indicating hazardous conditions due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. This alert, effective through June 4, covers northwest Minnesota, including areas like Red Lake, Roseau, and East Grand Forks. The Maroon level signifies that the air is hazardous for everyone, with potential health effects such as irritated eyes, coughing, and serious heart or lung issues. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and keep indoor air as clean as possible, according to Fox News. Additionally, a "Purple Alert," denoting very unhealthy air quality, was issued for regions including International Falls, Bemidji, and Brainerd. The rest of the state faces red and orange alerts, indicating unhealthy conditions for all and for sensitive groups, respectively. These unprecedented alerts result from extensive wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada, affecting air quality across Minnesota.
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Climate
- USA Today
Canadian wildfires are having big impact on US air quality
Canadian wildfires are having big impact on US air quality Show Caption Hide Caption Smoke drifting into US from Canada wildfires could impact health Smoke from Canadian wildfires has been detected drifting in through Montana, North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Smoke from wildfires raging in Canada has drifted into the United States, affecting air quality as far south as Florida and creating a "very unhealthy" situation in parts of Minnesota on June 3, according to forecasters. The smoke is expected to waft across the country, causing a moderate air quality level over much of the East Coast by the end of the day, according to the air quality forecast at The entire state of Minnesota is under an air quality alert through midweek, with parts of the state seeing unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality levels from smoke particulates. A gray haze from the smoke could be seen in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 2, the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. There are over 200 wildfires burning in Canada as of June 3, with over 100 classified as "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The fires have forced thousands to evacuate. On June 2, the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, announced that 150 federal firefighting personnel from the United States are headed across the border to help fight fires in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Smoke from Canadian wildfires worsens air quality in Dakotas, Midwestern states
Smoke from raging Canadian wildfires is once again worsening air quality in some U.S. states. Parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and other states were all experiencing levels of smoke particulates in the air deemed between moderate and unhealthy the morning of May 31, according to the national air quality map from Forecasters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, said the smoke is expected to continue its track south through the Plains states. The smoke is pouring in from blazes in Canada, including in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where authorities said a combination of rising temperatures, winds and low humidity has spread active fires to thousands of acres. At least 17,000 people have been forced to evacuate. Midwestern states including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan are expected to feel the impacts of the smoke, which will cut across the central part of the country and reach parts of the East Coast later in the day, according to forecasters at FireSmoke Canada. The impacted regions were also among those in the Northeast, Midwest and Plains that experienced unhealthy air quality in the summer of 2023 due to smoke from out-of-control fires in Canada at the time. Then, skylines in several major cities were blanketed by an orange haze and air quality was abysmal for millions of Americans. Minnesotans began to feel the impact from the Canadian wildfires on May 29, and authorities across the Midwest have issued air quality alerts. Periods of smoke will persist through at least June 2, the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, Minnesota said. An air quality alert was issued for the entire state of Minnesota through June 2, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said. People in sensitive groups such as those with lung disease or asthma, children and the elderly were cautioned that they could experience adverse health effects from the smoke. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources on May 30 issued an air quality advisory that expired after 24 hours on May 31, but warned that smoke impacts could persist beyond then and extend the advisory in some areas. 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 an air filter, 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 Contributing: Taylor Ardrey and Michael Loria, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canada wildfires 2025: Smoke impacts US air quality
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
NYC air quality: Live map as Canadian wildfires smoke set to invade Tri-State
The Brief Smoke from a series of Canadian wildfires could reach New York City by Tuesday. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases, particles and water vapor that contains multiple pollutants that can get into the lungs and bloodstream. Back on June 7, 2023, the Big Apple had the world's worst air quality of any major city in the world. NEW YORK CITY - Smoke from a series of wildfires burning across central Canada is expected to reach New York City on Tuesday after invading other parts of the United States over the past several days. JUMP TO: AIR QUALITY MAP l HEALTH IMPACTS l WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL? The smoke from the wildfires is primarily aloft, resulting in a milky sky and vivid sunrises and sunsets. Air quality levels remain mostly in the moderate range, posing health risks to mainly those with respiratory ailments. The smoke plume will be moving east into the region – hazy conditions are anticipated. With few signs that the blazes will subside anytime soon, here's what you need to know this week about wildfires and their impact on you. This map from shows the current air quality in the New York City area. Click HERE if you're having trouble viewing the embedded map. The numbers show how clean or polluted the air is and stands as a guideline for outdoor activities that day, especially for sensitive groups. 0-50: Good, with little to no risk of pollution. 51-100: Moderate and really is not a risk to anyone unless they're unusually sensitive to poor air quality. The national weather service will often still issue an air quality alert when we're in this range. 101-150: This is a risk for sensitive groups and people with asthma. 151-200: A risk for everyone and people who are sensitive are at risk for more severe complications. 201-300: Very unhealthy and a risk for everyone. 301+: Emergency conditions. Why you should care Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases, particles and water vapor that contains multiple pollutants that can get into the lungs and bloodstream. There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure to some of the pollutants, meaning that smoke can impact your health even at very low levels. Inhaling smoke from wildfires can cause headaches, sore and watery eyes, nose, throat, and sinus irritation, chest pains, heart palpitations and more. What you can do Exposure to elevated fine particle pollution levels can affect the lungs and heart. The air quality alerts caution "sensitive groups," a big category that includes children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Kids, who often are encouraged to go out and play, "are more susceptible to smoke for a number of reasons," said Laura Kate Bender, the lung association's National Assistant Vice President, healthy air. "Their lungs are still developing, they breathe in more air per unit of body weight." No one is immune. Back in June2023, winds blew smoke from unchecked Canadian wildfires into the region, which led the Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory for all five boroughs. According to New York City had the world's worst air quality of any major city in the world back on June 7, 2023, with an AQI rating over 350, more than twice as high as Dubai.
