Latest news with #airquality
CBS News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Wildfires in Manitoba, Canada, to send smoke into Chicago area starting Friday
Leaders in the Canadian Province of Manitoba have issued a state of emergency as wildfires continue to rage there, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The inferno will impact the Chicago area too, with smoke descending downtown as soon as Friday. As anyone who was around two years ago will remember, this is not the first time a hazy, unhealthy back of air engulfed and choked Chicago. The fire is more than 1,300 miles away — almost a 24-hour drive — and in a different country. But CBS News Chicago Meteorologist David Yeomans explained why the smoke from what is burning in Manitoba will be down Chicago's way very soon. In short, all the air will be flowing right toward Chicago from Canada. "[The] northwest wind going to drive the smoke right into our area," Yeomans said, "possibly for three days." Smoky Chicago skies caused major health concerns multiple times in the summer of 2023. The city made national headlines in late June for having the worst air quality in the world. On one June day, several places in Cook County registered an AQI, or air quality index, of above 200 — considered "very unhealthy" by the Environmental Protection Agency. At one point on Tuesday, June 27, Chicago was at level 228. Beaches were closed and events were canceled around the Chicago area due to the smoke in the air that month. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency does not expect this weekend's smoke infiltration to be as dangerous as June 2023, and there are no plans for an Air Pollution Action Day as was issued then. But Loyola Medicine pulmonologist Dr. Sean Forsythe wants everyone to remain alert nevertheless. "Air pollution isn't healthy for anyone," Forsythe said. Forsythe said even moderate levels of smoke will make people cough of experience shortness of breath. "It will raise risk of lung disease being exacerbated, and everybody might not feel great when they're out in that weather," he said. Forsythe explained why people exercising outdoors, including those running in the Bank of America Half Marathon on Sunday, might especially feel the effects. "You tend to breathe deeper and faster, and so you're getting more exposure to that particulate matter," he said. Half Marathon organizers said their forecasting shows conditions for the race this weekend will be "green," or ideal. They plan to monitor air quality closely, and will provide updates if anything changes.
CBS News
5 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
How will U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel partnership affect economy, air quality in Gary, Indiana?
On Sunday, the CBS News Chicago Investigators told you about the significant industrial pollution in Northwest Indiana and the health impact on the people living in Gary. Now, the federal government is working out a deal for a Japanese company to invest in U.S. Steel. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said Nippon Steel plans to pump $1 billion in the Gary Works U.S. Steel facility — the largest steel plant in the country. But critics question whether this investment improve air quality, and whether the investment in the facility translate into an investment in Gary's economy. "I think we're still early in terms of specific commitments, or what they're willing to do," said Melton. The mayor said the details on what the investment by Nippon Steel would involve are not yet clear, but he knows what he wants for his community. "Hopefully, Nippon will make the investments to make the process cleaner; to reduce those emissions as much as they can," said Melton. The monthslong investigation CBS News Chicago aired on Sunday found the plant that would get the money released more pollutants than any other steel or iron mill tracked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency across the country. "The story was great. I think it covered a lot of legacy issues that people have been voicing on a local level. And it's starting to put it on a more regional and national level of the health concerns of our community." Beryl Fitzpatrick lives near the steel mill. She is a lifelong Gary resident whose doctor said is dealing with cancer likely tied to environmental pollution. The cancer has affected her speech. "I had to learn phonics," she said. "I had to learn words and sounds." Fitzpatrick is fighting for cleaner air in Gary. "There are technologies out there that allow a cleaner steelmaking process," said Mayor Melton. As mayor, another major concern for Melton is the city's economy and how it can benefit from the Nippon Steel investment. Right now, how the money would impact jobs is unclear. "We know that they're a major contributor in that way," Melton said. "But we also know that that level of investment — there should be a direct impact economically to the community as well." Meanwhile, there is something else Mayor Melton wants as Gary Works could get the massive influx of cash. He wants U.S. Steel to start paying its fair share of taxes. "A couple of decades ago, legislation was passed that allowed them to self-assess their real and personal property taxes," he said. The result of that legislation has been that for decades, U.S. Steel has had a special deal — basically choosing what it owes in taxes. "It has not paid its fair share," said Fitzpatrick. "The powers that be would have taken my house if I hadn't paid my fair share." CBS News Chicago brought questions to both U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel. There had been no response as of Thursday afternoon.
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Colleen Bready's forecast: Dry conditions continue throughout Manitoba
Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for May 29, 2025. Hot, dry conditions persist in Manitoba on Thursday, offering no help to combat wildfires burning in several parts of the province. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said these conditions sent mass amounts of smoke into northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan over the last few days, which is expected to continue for the rest of the week. Temperatures across most of Manitoba will climb into the upper 20s or low 30s on Thursday afternoon. ECCC has continued an air quality warning for parts of west-central, northwestern and southeastern Manitoba on Thursday. Relatively light winds will keep smoke lingering near the source regions of the fires. Meanwhile, a large portion of north and central Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, including Kenora, remains under a special air quality statement. ECCC said a cold front that moved through northern regions Wednesday night shifted winds and sent smoke to the southeast into central Manitoba. Most southern regions, including Winnipeg and Brandon, are not under either alert, but hazy conditions are possible Thursday afternoon and evening. There will be no relief from the heat on Friday, with the south forecast to reach highs around 30 C. Temperatures in the north will also heat up into the mid- to upper 20s. However, some much-needed precipitation is on the way to some northern communities near wildfires on Friday night, including Lynn Lake. These showers are not expected to reach other wildfire areas near Flin Flon, Cross Lake, or in the southeast. The next chance of showers in the south is on Monday.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to move through Michigan Friday
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will continue to spread across the skies over much of the Great Lakes and may linger through the weekend. Officials declared a state of emergency for the entire province of Manitoba on Wednesday as out-of-control fires raged over 150,000 acres. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit The smoke may create air quality issues at times, mainly for sensitive groups. Individuals who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution include children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Pregnant women and those who work outdoors for extended periods of time may also be more at risk. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit The CBS News Detroit NEXT Weather team is tracking the chance that the smoke could lower in the atmosphere, resulting in a stronger chance for reduced air quality, following guidance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and will keep you up to date on any changes in the forecast. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit EGLE is currently talking with counterparts in Minnesota and Wisconsin to coordinate any advisories and alerts. The plume is expected to hit the western Upper Peninsula first, then make its way towards the central Upper Peninsula, then southward into the Lower Peninsula, with a second plume possible on Saturday. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit At the least, expect to see the smoke dim the sun, resulting in hazy sunshine, and create colorful sunrises and sunsets. Where smoke is the thickest and reaches the surface, reduced visibilities and a campfire smell may be evident at times.
CTV News
11 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Environment Canada issues heat and air quality warnings over Prairie wildfires
A wildfire in the Sherridon, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government Environment Canada issued heat and air-quality warnings Thursday as wildfires burn in the northern Prairies. The entirety of Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan are under a state of emergency order. The weather across the country continues to evolve. Here's what to know: Heat warnings Most of Alberta is under a heat warning, spanning from Willow Creek Provincial to Colin Lake, as well as the City of Lloydminster, Sask. According to Environment Canada, daylight temperatures could surpass 30 C, posing an elevated risk of heat stroke and or heat exhaustion. 'This afternoon a cold front will begin to move eastward across the province, bringing an end to the heat,' the warning reads. Individuals are asked to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, stay hydrated and to monitor for symptoms like high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness. Poor and special air quality warnings Wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan are causing poor air quality and reduced visibility, both in those provinces and in parts of Ontario, Alberta and Northwest Territories. Poor air quality has been issued for areas like Cumberland House and Seabee Mine in Saskatchewan and Lynn Lake and Shoal Lake Reserves in Manitoba. Also in Manitoba, special air quality warnings cover areas like Amisk Park Reserve down to Berens River. In Ontario, the special air quality warnings cover areas up from Peawanuck to Dinorwic, with some fog advisories as well in areas like Pickering, Oshawa and Cobourg. The special air quality will also affect some areas of the Northwest Territories, near Fort Liard, Sambaa K'e and Blackstone Territorial Park. 'Warm and dry conditions will continue to support wildfire activity as the weekend approaches. Relatively light winds will cause smoke to linger for a prolonged period near the source region of the fires,' the notice reads. The poor air quality can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, with more severe symptoms like wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Individuals are being asked to limit time outdoors and protect indoor air quality from wildfire smoke, such as keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible. Severe thunderstorm In some parts of southern British Columbia, there is a severe thunderstorm watch. Conditions are favourable in developing thunderstorms that could cause strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain that can cause significant reduction in visibility and possible damage and injury.
