Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across Upper Midwest

Air Quality Alerts are in effect across a broad swath of the Midwest, impacting over 100 million Americans as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the region. States under the alert include Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and northern Indiana. Major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Detroit are all experiencing dangerously poor air quality conditions. 

The front the passed through brought cooler and drier conditions, however, it also brought the winds coming down out of the North. This is the primary cause of this rapid decline in air quality, as a new wave of wildfire smoke drifting southward from multiple blazes burning across the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. These fires have been active throughout the summer, and this is not the first time their smoke has reached the U.S. This latest plume began sweeping into the Upper Midwest on Thursday.

The Air quality index (AQI) in parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois is in the "unhealthy" category for Friday. The "unhealthy" designation on the AQI scale indicates that the air quality is poor and may pose health risks, especially for sensitive groups.

People with preexisting conditions such as asthma or heart disease are especially vulnerable. Health officials recommend staying indoors, limiting physical activity, and using air purifiers if available. 

Conditions will gradually improve by Saturday as wind patterns shift and help disperse the smoke. Tune into WeatherNation TV for more details.