As the summer heat intensifies, the United States finds itself grappling with an unexpected adversary: smoke from Canadian wildfires. Over 100 active wildfires are currently raging in Canada, with the smoke from these fires drifting across the border and prompting Minnesota to issue its first air quality alert of 2024.
The wildfires, primarily located in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, have been fueled by persistent drought conditions and high temperatures. At least 37 of the 141 active fires have been labeled "out of control," including one that has spread to 4,200 acres, forcing the evacuation of Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson Indian Reserve.
The smoke from these wildfires has reached states from Montana to Wisconsin, with Minnesota experiencing particularly heavy smoke. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for much of northern Minnesota has been between 150 and 200, which is considered "unhealthy." At times, it has even surpassed the 200 AQI mark, entering a "very unhealthy" zone.
"Wildfires in Canada and other states have a significant impact on Minnesota’s air quality, and last year was profound,” said Matt Taraldsen, lead meteorologist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). He added that while the number of alerts is not expected to reach the record 52 days seen in 2023, Minnesotans should still anticipate more air quality alerts than usual this summer.
The effects of wildfire smoke are a growing concern across the United States. A study released in February suggested that by mid-century, the effects of wildfire smoke could pose significant health risks to 125 million Americans. The smoke is associated with a range of health issues, including strokes, heart disease, respiratory disease, lung cancer, and early death, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In Wisconsin, meteorologists are using monitoring data and weather forecast models to predict future air quality. The state is expected to experience good to moderate ozone levels and good to unhealthy levels of particle pollution (PM 2.5) throughout the week. However, the state's air quality could be impacted by the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, leading to potential air quality advisories.
The MPCA is committed to providing accurate information promptly so that everyone can stay informed about changing conditions. Residents can receive air quality alerts by following the MPCA's social media accounts and can learn more about air quality and wildfire smoke on the MPCA’s website.
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