Map Shows States That May Experience Canada Wildfire Smoke

A Newsweek map shows where smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada which have prompted mass evacuations could impact states in the U.S.

Why It Matters

Smoke and airborne pollutants can be especially hazardous for individuals with respiratory conditions.

So far this year, wildfires have scorched over 1.58 million acres in Canada—roughly 40 percent above the 10-year average for this time of year, CNN reported.

What To Know

More than 160 fires were burning across Canada on Thursday, CNN said, citing the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center.

A provincewide state of emergency in Manitoba was declared to evacuate and shelter some 17,000 people, a move which Premier Wab Kinew described as “the largest wildfire evacuation in recent memory.” A state of emergency was also declared in neighboring Saskatchewan due to the fires, described by Premier Scott Moe as “dangerous and unpredictable.”

Evacuation orders were also issued in Alberta, where Reuters reported that blazes disrupted some oil and gas operations.

According to forecasters at AccuWeather, cities where smoke is expected to become thick enough to be noticeable include Fargo, North Dakota; Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota; Green Bay and Milwaukee; and Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, high-altitude wildfire smoke may be visible as far southeast as Detroit and Indianapolis.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency had already issued an air quality alert for a northeastern portion of the state, which by Friday morning had been expanded to include west central, north central, northwest, and central Minnesota.

“This could be a significant smoke event, with potential health impacts for all populations,” it warned.

What People Are Saying

AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: “Most of the time, the smoke will be high-flying and dim the sun, leading to vivid sunrises and sunsets and causing a hazy appearance to the sky overhead.

“However, there will be episodes where the smoke can reach the lower levels of the atmosphere and affect visibility and air quality. That could be a safety concern for travel in extreme cases and pose health problems for some individuals with respiratory issues.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X, Thursday: “I am in close contact with @PremierScottMoe as his province responds to the growing wildfire situation. My government stands ready to mobilize federal support wherever needed.

“Saskatchewan, as you fight these wildfires and keep people safe, you have our full support.”

What Happens Next

Forecasters at AccuWeather say that as heat moves in from the western U.S. next week, the combination of high temperatures and lingering smoke could trigger ozone problems across a wide portion of the north-central region.

“Most of these areas in the Midwest will have days where there is little or no rain around and the sun is out over the weekend. So the smoke will be more noticeable,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty.

“The smoke may reach into the Northeast as well, but with extensive clouds and showers this weekend, the smoky haze may be mixed in and not so obvious.”