Wildfire Smoke Affects Air Quality Across the Midwest and Beyond

Smoke from wildfires in Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota darkened the skies over parts of the Midwest on Sunday, affecting air quality and extending into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Forecasters predicted the Great Lakes region would see the worst conditions on Sunday, prompting air quality alerts across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

Thunderstorms improved air quality in the Northeast on Saturday by washing away some smoke and pushing it offshore. However, the upper Midwest saw an increase in smoke concentrations.

On Sunday, a new plume of smoke spread across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, moving toward the Ohio Valley. It might reach the East Coast later in the day, but the Northeast’s air quality was not expected to be as poor.

Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, noted that the Northeast would start experiencing cleaner air from eastern Canada.

Air quality alerts remained in effect for western and central New York and parts of western Maryland on Sunday.

Frank Pereira, another meteorologist, indicated that high concentrations of smoke would continue over parts of the Great Lakes region, particularly in Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Indiana, with some relief anticipated later in the day.

“A strong system coming through late Monday will bring rain to the Great Lakes, helping clear the air,” Pereira said. He warned that this relief might be short-lived, as northwesterly winds could bring another wave of smoke later in the week.

Wildfires’ Impact and Sources

Over 900 wildfires are burning across Canada, with the most active ones in Ontario. The smoke is drifting south into the United States. Minnesota’s wildfires also contribute to the smoke.

Scientific estimates suggest that wildfire smoke results in tens of thousands of deaths annually. Human-caused climate change plays an increasing role in these fires.

You can find more about Canada’s fires and Minnesota’s wildfires through linked resources.

For the latest air quality maps and smoke forecasts, consult available tracking tools.

Amy Graff and Nazaneen Ghaffar cover weather, wildfires, and related topics for the Times.