🔥Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest and Northeast
Your AQI is about to hit 'unhealthy' levels
TL;DR
Wildfire smoke from Canada has blanketed parts of the Midwest and Northeast with unhealthy air quality. New York City's AQI topped out at 180 on Wednesday evening, while Duluth saw levels above 500. PM2.5 particles pose risks for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.
Wildfire smoke from Canada is currently blanketing the Midwest and Northeast, turning skies hazy and pushing air quality into unhealthy territory in many areas. New York City's AQI hit 180 on Wednesday evening, while Duluth saw levels above 500. PM2.5 particles are a major concern for everyone, especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. This smoke contains microscopic particles that can trigger or worsen medical conditions, making it crucial to take precautions even if you're healthy. The air quality is expected to worsen in parts of the Northeast on Thursday.
Key Points
Over 100 wildfires are burning out of control in Canada as of Wednesday, with hundreds more being monitored or battled.
The air quality index (AQI) in New York City topped out at 180 on Wednesday evening, putting the city's air squarely in the 'unhealthy' category.
Duluth, Minnesota saw AQI levels top out above 500, with anything over 301 labeled as 'hazardous'.
PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke are smaller than 2.5 micrometers and can trigger or worsen medical conditions in vulnerable populations.
Climate change is driving up temperatures, making wildfire season longer and creating hotter, drier conditions that lead to more explosive fires.
Why It Matters
If you're living in the Midwest or Northeast, your air quality could be dangerously poor due to Canadian wildfires. New York City's AQI hit 180 Wednesday evening; Duluth saw levels above 500. PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke can trigger or worsen medical conditions for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're living in the Midwest or Northeast, your air quality could be dangerously poor due to Canadian wildfires. New York City's AQI hit 180 Wednesday evening; Duluth saw levels above 500. PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke can trigger or worsen medical conditions for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
What happened?
Wildfire smoke from Canada has blanketed parts of the Midwest and Northeast with unhealthy air quality. New York City's AQI topped out at 180 on Wednesday evening, while Duluth saw levels above 500. PM2.5 particles pose risks for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.
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