Canadian Wildfires Impact Air Quality in Chicago and US Regions

Drifting smoke originating from ongoing wildfires across Canada has resulted in hazy conditions and raised concerns about air quality in the Great Lakes region, as well as parts of central and eastern United States.

The entire state of Michigan received an air quality alert from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, while Chicago has been classified as having “unhealthy” air quality by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In response, authorities in Chicago are advising young individuals, older adults, and those with health issues to limit their time outdoors and stay indoors.

Shelly Woinowski, a visitor to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, remarked on the visible haze surrounding the buildings, emphasizing the impact of the wildfires on the local environment.

In Minnesota, the smoke from Canadian wildfires has triggered a record-breaking 23rd air quality alert, while efforts to combat wildfires in the US West are proving insufficient despite substantial investment. The recent verdict in an Oregon wildfires case has highlighted the risks faced by utilities due to climate change, while the heat wave in the Southeastern United States has led to power outages and increased concerns about wildfires in the Southwest.

To mitigate the poor air quality, certain day care centers in the Chicago area have decided to keep children indoors. Additionally, a youth sports club has adjusted its activities to include more indoor time. Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement recommending that children, teenagers, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions avoid strenuous activities and limit their outdoor exposure. The city of Chicago pledges to provide updates and take prompt action to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals and their families.

Earlier this month, extensive fires in Canadian forests caused the air in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region to turn yellowish-gray, prompting warnings to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

The fine particles present in wildfire smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as affect the heart and lungs, making breathing more difficult. Health officials emphasize the importance of minimizing outdoor activities to reduce the intake of these particles.

Meteorologist Bryan Jackson from the National Weather Service explains that fires in northern Quebec, combined with low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes, are responsible for carrying smoke across northern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, and Chicago. He predicts that a north wind will push the smoke further south, reaching Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky by Tuesday and continuing overnight.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for southern, east central, and northeast Minnesota, effective until Thursday night.

Jackson also warns that southwestern Michigan currently has a high air quality index, exceeding 200 on a 500-point scale. Such levels are considered unhealthy for everyone due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5 particles.

Until the wildfires are extinguished, the risk of smoky conditions persists, particularly when accompanied by northward winds.

In early June, U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged the impact of climate change by drawing attention to the ongoing fires in Canada. He mentioned that hundreds of American firefighters and support personnel have been assisting in Canada since May.

According to Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington, the warming planet will lead to more intense and prolonged heatwaves, resulting in larger and smokier fires.

Priti Marwah, preparing for a run along Chicago’s lakefront, describes the haze as “severe” and adds that it can even be smelled. She expresses concern about the potential dangers of running in such conditions, considering the impact on her lungs.

At present, the smoky haze does not seem to be significantly affecting flights to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport or Milwaukee Mitchell Airport, although the smoke is visible in the vicinity.

According to Milwaukee Mitchell Airport spokesperson Summer Hegranes, no significant delays or cancellations have been reported due to the smoke. However, the smoke is clearly visible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wildfires

More about wildfires

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Air Quality Index (AQI)
• National Weather Service
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
• University of Washington Department of Atmospheric Sciences