Thousands of Americans Told To Avoid Outdoor Exercise
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Air quality alerts have been issued in several U.S. states as smoke from wildfires flows into the U.S. from Canada.
Why It Matters
Smoke blowing across the northern and eastern U.S. from Canada over the last week has resulted in a hazy skies and poor air quality.
High levels of smoke and pollution present a health hazard, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with existing medical conditions.
What To Know
New York, Maine, Minnesota, and Vermont all have Air Quality Alerts from the National Weather Service in place on Sunday.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality has warned of particle pollution until 11 p.m. ET Sunday evening.
The DEP advises those affected to consider reducing strenuous outdoor activity or exercise to lower the risk of health issues from elevated pollution levels, especially young children, the elderly, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, individuals with heart disease, and anyone engaged in physically demanding outdoor work.
If you experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, or chest discomfort, it's recommended to limit both the intensity and duration of your time outside.
Man running along FDR Drive on the east side of the New York City borough of Manhattan.
Man running along FDR Drive on the east side of the New York City borough of Manhattan.
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In Vermont, a currently active warning for the entire state expires at midnight ET, while in Minnesota, the warning expires at 11 p.m. CT.
In New York, several warnings are active, which do not currently have an expiration time or date.
In the spring and summer of 2023, massive wildfires in Quebec and Ontario sent heavy smoke across the northeastern U.S. On several occasions, New York City experienced thick, hazardous air conditions due to the smoke.
What People Are Saying
Jeff Masters, meteorologist, writing for Yale Climate Connections: "With fire danger at very high levels throughout much of Canada, we can anticipate that these major smoke-emitting fires will continue to burn for an extended period.
"Furthermore, the long-range fire forecast calls for above-average fire risk over much of the forested areas of western Canada and the western U.S. this summer, and we should anticipate frequent bouts of poor air quality from wildfire smoke across much of North America."
AccuWeather's Brett Anderson said that while some fires have been put out, "some of the big ones in remote areas are likely going to continue, unfortunately, through the summer into the fall."
What Happens Next
Canada's wildfire season runs from March to October, throughout the spring and summer months and into the fall. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, there were 217 active fires across the country as of Saturday, June 7, with 94 of them considered "out of control." Most fires are located in British Columbia, 72, while there are 52 burning to the east in Alberta.
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