Smoky haze blanketing US, Canada could last for days as wildfires rage, winds won’t budge

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On pollution monitoring maps, purple is the most hazardous category. Currently, it represents a heavy, harmful smog that’s affecting the everyday activities of millions in the U.S. and Canada, obscuring cityscapes and tinting the skies orange.

As meteorological conditions are predicted to remain largely unchanged, the smoke fog originating from wildfires in Quebec and Nova Scotia and spreading particulate matter as far as North Carolina could continue until Thursday or potentially through the weekend.

This suggests the likelihood of another day or more of adverse conditions that have led to the evacuation of sports players and stage actors, flight delays, and a revival in mask-wearing and remote work — all under the shadow of potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to such poor air quality.

The weather phenomenon causing this significant smoke spread — a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia — “is expected to linger for several more days,” according to Bryan Ramsey, a meteorologist at the U.S. National Weather Service.

“With the fires still blazing at large scale, they could persist for weeks. However, a shift in wind direction or the extinguishing of fires could improve conditions,” Ramsey added.

In the eastern U.S., authorities have advised residents to remain indoors and minimize or avoid outdoor activities on Thursday, extending “Code Red” air quality warnings in some areas for a third consecutive day due to ongoing winds carrying smoke southwards.

Washington, D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser instructed schools to suspend outdoor activities, sports, and field trips on Thursday. In the outskirts of Philadelphia, an emergency shelter has been established for those seeking refuge from the smoky atmosphere.

New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul announced the distribution of a million N95 masks — a type familiar from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — at state facilities, including 400,000 in New York City, and cautioned residents to stay indoors.

“Our advice is to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. It’s not safe to go out for a walk or push a baby stroller,” Hochul stated on Wednesday evening.

The advice seems to be taking effect. As of Wednesday, officials report that New York City hasn’t seen a surge in 911 calls related to respiratory and cardiac emergencies.

Canada is currently dealing with over 400 wildfires, leading to the displacement of 20,000 people. The U.S. has provided assistance by dispatching more than 600 firefighters and necessary equipment to Canada, with aid also coming from other countries.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his gratitude to President Joe Biden for the support during a phone call on Wednesday. Both leaders acknowledged the necessity of joint efforts to combat the devastating effects of climate change.

Canadian authorities warn that this could be the country’s most severe wildfire season yet, with the situation escalating rapidly on unusually dry grounds. Smoke from these fires started reaching the U.S. last month, but recent fires in Quebec have intensified the situation.

Eastern Quebec received some rain on Wednesday, but according to Simon Legault, a meteorologist at Environment Canada based in Montreal, significant rainfall isn’t anticipated for several days in central Quebec where wildfires are most intense.

In the U.S., federal officials temporarily halted some flights destined for New York’s LaGuardia Airport and reduced aircraft speed to Newark and Philadelphia due to limited visibility from smoke.

Major League Baseball games featuring the Yankees and Phillies were postponed. Broadway shows such as “Hamilton” and “Camelot” cancelled performances on Wednesday, while actress Jodie Comer from “Prima Facie” had to exit the stage due to breathing difficulties. Outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in Central Park were also cancelled for Thursday and Friday due to the poor air quality.

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Gillies contributed from Toronto.

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