Canada Wildfires Worsen Air Quality Across Midwest – Who’s at Risk and What to Do

Millions of people in the U.S. Midwest are facing dangerous air quality levels as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts southward. If you’re in the region, here’s everything you need to know about the current situation, its health impact, and what comes next.

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 Why Is the Midwest Under an Air Quality Alert?

Massive wildfires are burning out of control across Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada. As upper-level winds blow from north to south, the smoke is being funneled straight into the Upper Midwest of the United States. The result? Widespread air quality alerts and health concerns for millions.

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued alerts for:

All of Wisconsin

Northern Minnesota

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Even Chicago is bracing for potentially poor air quality as the smoke spreads further south.

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️ Where Could the Smoke Move Next?

According to meteorologist Chris Dolce at weather.com, near-surface smoke—the most harmful kind—will remain concentrated over the Midwest and Northern Plains throughout the weekend. Some lighter concentrations are forecast to move into the South and East, potentially affecting cities not currently under alerts.

 What Is Near-Surface Smoke?

Unlike high-altitude haze that creates orange sunsets but doesn’t affect breathing much, near-surface smoke is inhaled directly, increasing risks for:

Respiratory issues

Asthma attacks

Heart conditions

Irritation in eyes, throat, and lungs

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 What You’ll Notice in the Sky

Even areas outside the direct path of thick smoke will see signs:

Hazy skies

Orange and red sunrises/sunsets

Reduced visibility

This happens when smoke particles scatter sunlight differently—a phenomenon already observed across several U.S. states.

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️ When Will the Air Improve?

A change in weather patterns is expected Monday into Tuesday. Winds will shift and come from the south ahead of a cold front, which will help push smoke back north into Canada, offering temporary relief to parts of the U.S.

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 How to Check Air Quality Right Now

If you’re in a potentially affected area, stay informed:

1. Download/Update The Weather Channel App.

2. Tap the “Breathing” section under lifestyle options.

3. Scroll to “Today’s Biggest Impacts” for current Air Quality Index (AQI) info and health tips.

Also, try government resources like AirNow.gov for real-time updates by ZIP code.

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 Canada’s Emergency: What’s Happening North of the Border?

The wildfire crisis in Canada is escalating:

Over 80 wildfires are currently out of control.

17,000 residents in Manitoba have been forced to evacuate.

The entire town of Flin Flon, Manitoba (~5,000 residents), has been evacuated.

Saskatchewan is also experiencing severe fire conditions.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe called the situation “as severe as anything we’ve seen in a very long time—if not ever.”

Canada’s wildfire season typically runs from May through September, but this year’s fires are some of the most intense on record. In 2023, North America saw its worst wildfire season ever, with smoke blanketing cities thousands of miles from the flames.

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易 Health Tips for Dealing With Wildfire Smoke

If you live in an affected area:

Stay indoors as much as possible.

Use HEPA air filters or run your HVAC system on recirculate.

Wear N95 masks if you must go outside.

Avoid outdoor exercise.

Keep windows and doors tightly shut.

Special care should be taken for:

Children

Elderly people

Pregnant women