According to CNN, more than 120 million Americans are currently under air quality warnings as wildfire smoke from Canada spreads across the country. This has led to areas in the Midwest experiencing the worst air quality in the world, just as the U.S. is preparing for the July 4th long weekend. The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts across various regions, including the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Western Ohio Valley, Central Appalachians, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic. AirNow.gov has classified air quality ratings in these areas as “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy.” The states most affected include Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, with New York and New Jersey also under air quality advisories. IQAir has found that midwestern cities have the worst air quality globally, with Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Detroit experiencing particularly high air quality indices (AQIs). However, there is hope for improvement as the air quality is projected to gradually get better. AirNow.gov forecasts that Chicago will move to a “moderate” air quality rating by Friday, Pittsburgh will also have moderate air quality by Friday, and Milwaukee will transition from “unhealthy” to moderate air quality throughout Thursday. In light of the poor air quality, the NWS and local officials are urging people to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory issues, and to take precautions such as wearing N95 masks while outdoors and using air purifiers indoors. The source of the wildfire smoke is Canada, which is currently experiencing 500 active fires, with 257 of them designated as “out of control.” Canadian officials expect the fires to continue throughout the summer and stress the need for rainfall to help extinguish them. The poor air quality caused by the wildfire smoke could impact Americans’ Fourth of July travel plans, with flight delays and cancellations already being reported. AAA estimates that a record number of Americans will be traveling over the holiday weekend, with 4.17 million people expected to travel by airplane. The extent of the smoke’s travel is evident as it has even reached parts of western Europe, though it poses less of a threat to air quality compared to its impact in the U.S. This issue of wildfire smoke has been ongoing throughout the summer, disrupting various aspects of daily life across the affected regions.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
