Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Reaches Gulf Coast

Smoke from wildfires currently burning in Canada reached the Gulf Coast in the Southern United States this week.

The smoke doesn’t look like it will clear the U.S. “anytime soon,” National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Joe Wegman told Newsweek, although the heaviest smoke has stayed north of the coast, so it’s unlikely that air quality alerts will be issued that far south.

Why It Matters

This is the first time excessive Canadian wildfire smoke had descended into the U.S. since 2023 when wildfires worsened air quality to dangerous levels for millions in the Northeast.

In smaller amounts, smoke can cause hazy skies and create beautiful sunsets and sunrises. However, in higher amounts, the smoke can be dangerous, even prompting alerts urging people to stay inside until it clears.

What To Know

Since last week, air quality in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota has been impacted by the heavy smoke. Although most air quality alerts remain in the Upper Midwest, the smoke has moved toward the South.

As of Monday, some of the smoke had moved off the Eastern Seaboard, but a high-pressure system has circulated it back into the U.S. and across the Southern states, Wegman said.

The heaviest smoke affecting the region remains north near Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama, but smoke will have a noticeable impact on sunsets in the Gulf Coast states this week.

Some states that might notice smoke include South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama over the next two days.

Poor air quality isn’t as much of a threat for Southern states because of the distance the smoke has traveled. Wegman still urged caution for anyone with breathing troubles or those who are particularly sensitive to air pollution.

Satellite imagery captured the smoke descending into the U.S. over the weekend, and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) posted a timelapse of the video on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

“Wildfire smoke has overtaken skies above the Eastern United States,” the post said. “This time lapse shows the drifting smoke over the last three days.”

What People Are Saying

National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Joe Wegman told Newsweek: “It certainly will influence the sunsets because it doesn’t take all that much in order to do that. It’s cool because it makes the sunsets have vibrant colors, and that’s kind of neat to see.”

An air quality alert issued in Northwest Wisconsin said: “Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms.”

What Happens Next?

The smoke is unlikely to evacuate the U.S. soon, Wegman said. Hazy skies are expected to persist throughout the duration of its presence.