17 Jul 2023 | 01:40 PM UTC
US: Warnings for poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires issued across parts of the Midwest and eastern regions as of July 17
Warnings for poor air quality issued across parts of the Midwest and eastern US as of July 17. 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 July 17. Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record; more than 880 fires were active across Canada as of July 15, and meteorological conditions are currently pushing the smoke from these blazes southwards. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts across much of the affected area as of July 17. The worst air quality index is expected across much of Iowa and Upstate New York, as well as parts of northern Ohio, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) level is expected to reach unhealthy (level four out of six) on July 17. Much of the rest of the affected area will see AQI levels of unhealthy for sensitive groups (levels three) or moderate (level two). Forecast models indicate that the smog will likely linger across much of the region on July 18, before conditions improve from July 19. 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 some minor 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)
