Wildfire Smoke Puts Millions Across Midwest and Northeast US at Risk

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

Thick smoke from multiple wildfires burning in Canada and the US state of Minnesota is expected to blanket large parts of the Midwest and Northeast this week, exposing millions of people to unhealthy air quality.

Minnesota authorities have issued an air quality alert from Tuesday through Friday, covering the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Alexandria and Two Harbors. Officials warned that northeastern parts of the state could experience hazardous air pollution as the wildfires continue to spread.

In areas including Two Harbors and the Grand Portage Tribal Nation, air quality is forecast to reach hazardous levels, posing health risks to the entire population.

Dan Westervelt, an associate professor at Columbia University's Climate School, said severe drought and high temperatures across Canada and parts of the United States have created ideal conditions for wildfires. He noted that rising global temperatures linked to the burning of fossil fuels have contributed to more frequent and intense fire seasons.

The National Weather Service advised residents to remain indoors as much as possible, particularly as extreme heat coincides with heavy smoke.

Air quality warnings have also been issued in Michigan and Wisconsin, where elevated levels of fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke are expected to persist for several days. Health officials said children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable.

In Maine, residents reported hazy skies with yellow and brown hues as smoke drifted across the region. Forecasters expect the smoke to spread further across the East Coast and Midwest, affecting areas including New England, northern Pennsylvania, Detroit and Milwaukee.

Air quality advisories are also in effect across several counties in western and central New York through Wednesday night, while forecasters say the densest smoke could reach as far south as Washington, D.C., by Thursday.