Canadian Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Alerts in Multiple U.S. States

Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has moved south into parts of the United States, prompting air quality alerts in several states. The National Weather Service issued alerts for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado due to elevated smoke levels. Parts of New York and possibly Illinois are also experiencing reduced air quality from the same plumes.

The National Weather Service stated that wildfire smoke raises levels of fine particle pollution known as PM2.5. Officials said this pollution can cause breathing difficulties and worsen asthma or heart conditions. Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory illnesses are identified as the groups most likely to be affected.

According to WBUR, Massachusetts is seeing hazy skies from the smoke plume. Forecasters said the strongest ground-level impacts are expected farther west than New England.