30 Jun 2023 | 03:32 AM UTC
US: Warnings for poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires issued across parts of the Midwest and eastern regions as of June 29 /update 2
Warnings for poor air quality issued across parts of the Midwest and eastern US as of June 29. Business and transport disruptions possible.
Event
Poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires occurring in Canada is impacting parts of the Upper Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Southeast regions as of late June 29. Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record; hundreds of fires are active across parts of Ontario and Quebec provinces and meteorological conditions have been pushing the smoke from these blazes southwards since June 27. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts across the affected areas as of late June 29. The air quality index will likely range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy (levels three and four on a six-tier scale) across much of the affected region through July 1. Forecast models indicate that a change in the wind direction could bring some relief from the smoke beginning July 1. Authorities will probably modify or issue additional advisories as meteorological conditions change.
In all areas under air quality advisories, vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people suffering from asthma or other lung diseases, and people with heart disease, are at particular risk of negative health consequences from the smoke.
The low air quality could cause disruptions at airports in the affected region due to reduced visibility. While most business activities will likely continue as normal, disruptions are possible, especially to outdoor events, if conditions deteriorate or persist for an extended period of time.
Advice
Heed the recommendations of local authorities if operating in affected areas. Individuals - especially children, the elderly, and persons with pulmonary or cardio-vascular conditions - should limit their time outdoors until local air quality advisories are lifted. Reconfirm business appointments. Plan accordingly for increased absenteeism among employees who have certain health conditions or are the parents or guardians of school-aged children. Reconfirm flights before leaving for the airport; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed.
Resources
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Weather Service (NWS)
