Canadian Wildfires Update as Warning Issued for “Some of the Densest Smoke” in US
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Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have prompted a new warning in Minnesota’s Twin Cities as “some of the densest smoke” from the blazes will shift into the region Friday.
Newsweek reached out to the National Weather Service (NWS) via email Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
Smoke from widespread wildfires in Canada prompted air quality alerts across several Midwest and Northeast U.S. states this week, threatening public health and advising residents to alter their daily routines.
The increased concentration of airborne fine particulate matter—PM2.5—from wildfires can worsen respiratory and heart conditions, making sensitive groups particularly vulnerable, especially for people with asthma, heart disease or other preexisting respiratory conditions.
Canadian wildfires have been of recent concern to Americans who live in bordering states, as hundreds of fires have burned this summer.
What To Know
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, the NWS office in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, said, “Some of the densest smoke during this stretch is possible tomorrow morning for some folks as sinking air increases under surface high pressure. #mnwx #wiwx”
The NWS also posted a graphic warning of “heavy smoke possible early AM” Friday.
All of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, along with the majority of Iowa and Illinois, are under an air quality alert heading into Friday and the weekend. Portions of Nebraska are also under an air alert, the NWS shows on its interactive map.
The NWS warns that “Northerly winds will continue transporting waves of heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into Minnesota. Smoke will move south across all of Minnesota and linger through Saturday afternoon. The smoke will be reinforced by an area of high pressure that will create light winds and limit the dispersion of smoke. Therefore the air quality alert has been expanded to include all of Minnesota and extended until Saturday afternoon when the air quality is forecasted to improve.”
The sun is shrouded by smoke from the Canadian wildfires as it rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan, which includes the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, in New York City on June 11,… The sun is shrouded by smoke from the Canadian wildfires as it rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan, which includes the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, in New York City on June 11, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
What People Are Saying
NWS Weather Prediction Center Meteorologist David Roth previously told Newsweek via phone on Wednesday: “Behind the cold front from where the wildfires are in Canada there is bound to be a smoke plume–it was a bit more expansive today. Conditions across the three states should improve from Thursday afternoon onward.”
Roth added, “Anyone who is sensitive to this should stay indoors and if outside they should wear a mask.”
NWS Chicago posted to X on Thursday: “Poor air quality due to wildfire smoke is expected to continue through tomorrow and will be at unhealthy levels for everyone in some locations. Consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity. #ILwx #INwx”
NWS Detroit posted to X on Thursday: “The Air Quality Advisory has been extended through Saturday for all of Michigan. #miwx”
What Happens Next
If wildfires continue burning unchecked across Canada, future advisories are likely, as prevailing winds could carry more smoke into the United States.
Meteorological agencies and public health officials emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and urge residents in affected areas to adhere to safety advisories, monitor local and federal updates, and minimize outdoor exposure until conditions improve.
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