Latest news with #AirQualityAdvisory
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Halt Outdoors Activity In 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality advisories have been issued on Tuesday for parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Colorado. The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. Claire Savage/AP Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that people who are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels include "the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease." "Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," it said. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider." What To Know In Michigan, an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for a large swathe of south-eastern counties, covering major urban areas including Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma," the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert. In New York, an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates has been issued for large parts of the state's north-east and north-west, covering cities including Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. In Vermont, an advisory has been issued for Caledonia, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This is declared when widespread ozone levels are expected to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Air quality alerts have also been issued across northern Minnesota and far north-west Indiana. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory has been issued for wildfire smoke in Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, and southern Mesa counties. What People Are Saying The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert: "People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment, using charcoal lighter fluid." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said: "Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation; Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip; Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm; Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds; Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above." The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The air quality alerts in Michigan, New York, Vermont, Illinois and Indiana are currently set to remain in force until midnight, while the warning in Minnesota is set to run until 11 p.m. The air quality alert in Colorado is set to expire at 9 a.m.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Michigan Air Quality Advisory extended to midnight
The Brief The Air Quality Advisory for Southeast Michigan has been extended through Friday due to ongoing Canadian wildfire smoke. Air quality in the affected counties, including Metro Detroit, is currently "Unhealthy" or "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." Residents, especially sensitive groups, are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities and take precautions to reduce smoke exposure. DETROIT (FOX 2) - The Air Quality Advisory issued for Southeast Michigan has been extended to the end of the day on Friday as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to move into the state. The advisory, which was issued at 9:23 a.m. Thursday, was originally set to expire at noon Friday. However, at noon the advisory was extended to midnight. Areas impacted Counties under the advisory include Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw, and Wayne. Additional advisories have also been issued for areas outside of Metro Detroit. What they're saying EGLE says the heavy smoke has mostly pushed out of the state, except for the area around Metro Detroit where readings are still to high. A cold front has stalled in Ohio and a high pressure system is over the northern Great Lakes, meaning the smoke is moving a bit slower than expected. Once the cold front moves to the southeast, it will push the smoke out of Metro Detroit. More smoke could flow in later this weekend as the fires keep burning. However, EGLE expects this to be the last advisory for this event. Why you should care According to EGLE, an Air Quality Advisory is issued when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups USG, Orange air quality index (AQI) threshold. Learn more about these levels below. An Alert is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold. According to AirNow, the air quality in Detroit at 11 a.m. Thursday currently falls into the "Unhealthy" range. It is expected to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups both Thursday and Friday. Green (0-50 AQI) Good - Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Yellow (51-100 AQI) Moderate - Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Orange (101 to 150 AQI) Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Red (151-200) Unhealthy - Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Purple (201-300) Very Unhealthy - Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Maroon (301+) Hazardous - Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. During unhealthy for sensitive groups (AQI orange) to unhealthy for everyone air quality events (AQI red), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advises the following: For people with heart or lung disease, pregnant people, older adults aged 65+, children, and teens, it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Keep outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them. For everyone else: Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don't breathe as hard. ' Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors. Be active outdoors when air quality is better. During very unhealthy or hazardous for everyone air quality (purple to maroon Air Quality Index levels), MDHHS advises the following for everyone: Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed using MERV-13 or better air filtration. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner, and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed. Call or text 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a shelter or cooling center nearby. Use air filters to improve indoor air quality. Whether you have a central air conditioning system or a portable room unit, use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from smoke. If you don't have access to those filter systems, you can create a temporary air purifier with a 2012 or newer box fan and attaching a MERV-13 or higher air filter to it. Information is available online. Keep activity levels low. Avoid outdoor activities. Use N95 style masks if you have to be outside. Surgical and cloth masks are not recommended as they are not designed to prevent breathing in the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke. The Source A National Weather Service advisory and previous FOX 2 stories were used to report this news.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Air Quality Advisory extended for most of Wisconsin as wildfire smoke from Canada remains
(WFRV) – As smoke and haze continue to linger from wildfires in Canada, the Wisconsin DNR has extended the Air Quality Advisory another day for most of Wisconsin. The advisory extension now lasts until Friday, June 6, at 12 p.m., as the DNR's Air Quality Index remains in the Orange, or 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' Affected counties include Brown, Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System during June's Free Fun Weekend Officials recommend that anyone who falls into the 'sensitive groups' to make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, while including more breaks. It is also recommended to watch out for symptoms, including excess coughing or shortness of breath. Local 5 will continue to follow this story and provide any updates when more information is released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Most of Alberta under a ‘very high' to ‘extreme' fire danger risk with more hot, dry weather in the forecast
Very little precipitation in the forecast for Alberta. Jodi Hughes has a look at the five-day forecast from the Sky Watch Weather Centre. A strong ridge of high pressure will become the main weather-maker for Alberta and B.C. pushing temperatures close to 30 C in southern Alberta. There is very little precipitation in the forecast and relative humidly values will remain low, which is concerning for regions dealing with wildfires. Most of Alberta under a 'very high' to 'extreme' fire danger risk with more hot, dry weather in the forecast Air quality advisories have been issued for many provinces and territories as smoke from fires in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba is spreading west to east across the country. Most of Alberta under a 'very high' to 'extreme' fire danger risk with more hot, dry weather in the forecast Air quality advisories (smoky gray) as of 7 a.m. June 5, 2025. The high-riding jet stream is keeping most of the particulate into the northern and central portions of the Prairies, including in Alberta. There will be persistent atmospheric stability in Alberta, meaning it should remain mostly sunny with only a light breeze for most of the next week. Most of Alberta under a 'very high' to 'extreme' fire danger risk with more hot, dry weather in the forecast Daytime highs in Calgary are forecast to sit between 21 C to 30 C with lows between 8 C to 13 C until next Wednesday. The normal range this time of year is 19 C for a high and 6 C for a daily low.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local school district closes due to heat
PARMA, Ohio (WJW) – The Parma City Schools announced Tuesday evening that the district would close on Wednesday 'due to extreme temperatures forecasted.' According to Meteorologist Scott Sabol, Wednesday will be the warmest and most humid day this week. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with winds gusting to 20-25 mph in the afternoon. Where kids can get free lunches this summer in Northeast Ohio In addition, a plume of wildfire smoke has moved into the region and will stick around throughout the day. The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Advisory for several northeast Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga, stating that air quality levels will be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties. Air Quality Advisory: Full details on the active weather alert According to Parma City Schools, all functions scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, are cancelled. The district's last day for students is listed as Thursday, June 12, according to the district calendar. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
