Latest news with #AirQualityAdvisory
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Millions Across 3 States Told to Close Windows, Limit Outside Activity
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. Related Articles People in 2 States Told to Monitor Themselves for CoughsChildren Warned to Limit Physical Activity in Two StatesSome People in Florida Advised To Stay Inside Amid Warning of Saharan DustTens of Thousands In Minneapolis Told To Stay Indoors on Memorial Day 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Officers clear possible pipe bomb threat in southern Wisconsin city, declare area safe
WATERTOWN, Wis. (WFRV) – On Thursday, officers in southern Wisconsin worked to clear the scene of a possible pipe bomb threat, eventually declaring the area safe. Around 8:30 p.m. on May 29, the Watertown Police Department sent out a release warning the public that they had received a report of a possible pipe bomb in the area of South Third Street and Market Street in Watertown. Oshkosh woman changes plea to guilty for bomb threat towards synagogue, sentenced to 2 years of probation Citizens were asked to avoid the area as officers worked to secure the scene and evacuate nearby residents out of precaution. Later that night, Watertown PD declared the area safe, indicating there was no further threat to the public. An updated press release was sent out on Friday morning with more details, including a description of the potential explosive device. Officers say the initial call came in around 7:05 p.m., reporting a suspicious object that had been placed on a residential gas meter. Department of Natural Resources warning Wisconsinites over statewide Air Quality Advisory due to Canadian wildfire smoke The Milwaukee Police Department Hazardous Devices Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and We Energies responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. Ultimately, the suspicious device was determined not to be explosive. No additional details were provided as the investigation remains active. Local 5 will update this story when more information is released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Department of Natural Resources warning Wisconsinites over statewide Air Quality Advisory due to Canadian wildfire smoke
(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that a state-wide Air Quality Advisory is set to begin at 6 a.m. on Friday, and is urging residents to be cautious as a result. The Advisory is due to the smoke coming from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Cool Place in Pulaski seeks community help to stay afloat amidst business slowdown Hazy skies and particle pollution will likely cause poor conditions for most, if not all, of the state, the DNR said. The DNR's release said to expect the following: The initial round of smoke is expected in or around northwestern Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon, and pushing southeast throughout the evening On Friday morning, heavier smoke is forecast to come from the north and push south The advisory at this time is set to expire at 6 a.m. Saturday, but the smoke impact could continue in some spots Rain turns to thunderstorms for Friday The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the 'Orange' level, which is unhealthy for sensitive individuals, across much of the state. It is also possible that it may rise to the 'Red' level of unhealthy. Individuals should be wary of symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. If symptoms arise, people should take a break or go inside. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
