Latest news with #DepartmentOfNaturalResources
New York Times
4 hours ago
- Climate
- New York Times
Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Blankets the Upper Midwest
Smoke from wildfires raging across Canada continued to choke parts of the Upper Midwest on Tuesday, polluting the air for millions of residents and casting a hazy glow in the skies across several northern states. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and parts of Nebraska and Michigan were under air quality alerts on Tuesday, with advisories for more vulnerable groups to stay indoors or limit long stretches of outdoor activity and monitor their health, according to the National Weather Service. While smoke was blanketing the air in the upper Midwest, it also drifted into others areas, mainly in higher layers of the atmosphere, and covered at least a third of the United States. Marc Chenard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, said satellite imagery showed smoke stretched from the Dakotas, across the Midwest, into the Ohio Valley and as far north as New York and as far south as north Florida on the East Coast. 'A lot of the smoke is aloft in the atmosphere, so you're not seeing visibility or air quality issues at the surface,' he said. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality alert on Tuesday for all of Iowa through 6 a.m. on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, with levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and possibly even for healthy individuals expected over the next few days. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activity until the air quality improved. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why is it ‘smoky' in Pennsylvania? The blame goes to Canada
(WTAJ) — The air might seem smoky in Pennsylvania this week as Canada deals with wildfires again, and windstreams may bring that smoke to our area. Blazes sparked in the Manitoba area, according to the country's Department of Natural Resources. On May 29, Saskatchewan declared a Provincial State of Emergency. Canadian officials stated the fire was 'out of control.' As the wildfire rages on, the windstream is carrying smoke across hundreds of miles and into the United States, which includes Pennsylvania. Those who have any kind of breathing issues are cautioned about being outdoors Monday, June 2, and possibly multiple other days. The last time Pennsylvania was affected by wildfires in Canada was the summer of 2023. You can look back and read more about that summer by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Nova Scotia sending crew to Saskatchewan to help fight wildfires
A crew from Nova Scotia will be heading to Saskatchewan Thursday afternoon to help fight wildfires in the province. There are multiple fires burning in Saskatchewan and the team of 20 from Nova Scotia will be dispatched where they are needed. As of Wednesday afternoon, 19 wildfires were burning in Saskatchewan, with nine of those considered not contained, according to the province. Evacuation notices have been issued for the resort village of Candle Lake and the community of Creighton. 'Our friends in Saskatchewan are fighting numerous wildfires that are threatening peoples' homes and livelihoods, and they need our help,' said Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia's Natural Resources Minister, in a provincial news release. 'We all remember the deep impact and scars that wildfires can have on our communities. I thank all Nova Scotians for following the daily burn restrictions – that is helping keep our wildfire season manageable here at home and allows us to send our crew out west.' The Department of Natural Resources says current fire conditions in Nova Scotia allow its wildfire resources to be shared. 'The Department will continue to monitor conditions and make sure sufficient resources are maintained in the province. Crew members could return early if they are needed at home,' the release reads. The firefighters will be the first Nova Scotia crew helping with the wildfire effort in western Canada this season. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Recent rain hasn't made a dent in Minnesota's drought, experts say
Minnesota saw some much-needed rain this week, but not over the ongoing fires in the Northland. Experts say the outlook for summer could spell even more trouble. "We've had some tornadoes, we have had wildfires, we've had some heat, but overall, you know, not super memorable," said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld, looking back at meteorological spring. Compared to last year's major flooding, the last three months have been relatively tame, especially in terms of rainfall. All of the major climate sites have seen three to four inches of precipitation less this year. And though that's closer to average, Minnesota needs more rain given the ongoing drought. And according to the Climate Prediction Center, the outlook for summer isn't looking favorable. "A lot of people don't realize we're almost a monsoon climate with a pronounced wet season. In summertime in Minnesota, you get, depending on where you are, three to five times more precipitation than you get in the winter," Blumenfeld said. In the Twin Cities, we typically see nearly 13 inches of rain across June, July and August. However, this year's oulook says it's more likely we'll be drier than average. "If that happens, we would probably increase our precipitation deficits, making us drier and more prone to drought. So in light of that, we sure would like to see some precipitation in the weeks ahead here, just to kind of put some money in the bank," said Blumenfeld. He said not only does a dry summer favor drought, but it could mean more wildfires come fall. The outlook also says it's more likely we'll be warmer than average, something Blumenfeld agrees with since we've already seen some heat. "When you have hot days in May, 90 degrees or higher, there tends to be a higher-than-normal number of 90 degree days during the summer too. So that's one thing we'll be watching," Blumenfeld said.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
No charges to be laid in 2023 Hammonds Plains, N.S., wildfires after two-year investigation
Charred woodlands are pictured following a wildfire in the suburban community of Hammonds Plains, N.S. outside of Halifax on Thursday, June 22, 2023. After a two-year investigation, Nova Scotia has run out of time to lay any charges for the 2023 Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains wildfires under the Forests Act. Under that act, the Department of Natural Resources has two years from the date of an offence to lay charges. In a news release, the province says charges are only laid if there is enough evidence to secure a conviction. 'There is a high bar for what can be used as evidence in court,' the release reads. People convicted for Forests Act violations can be fined up to $500,000 and/or face up to six months in prison. The Department of Natural Resources previously said it had exhausted all leads in its investigation last August. The wildfire, which officially started on May 28, 2023, displaced more than 16,000 residents and burned 969 hectares. It lasted for several days and destroyed 151 homes. Wildfire Charred woodlands are pictured following a wildfire in the suburban community of Hammonds Plains, N.S. outside of Halifax on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Darren Calabrese) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
