Persistent Canadian Wildfires Remind US Residents of Haze Over Great Lakes Region

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Data from NOAA on Wednesday 7 June 2023- BBC Photo

Unhealthy air settled over Chicago and other cities in the haze over Great Lakes region on Tuesday, serving as a reminder to residents across the Midwest to the Northeast and as far south as Kentucky to be prepared for potential worsening conditions due to ongoing Canadian wildfires.

According to Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, there remains a risk as long as the fires continue. If the wind carries a northward component, there is a possibility of smoky conditions.

The drifting smoke from the Canadian wildfires has created hazy conditions and raised concerns about air quality in the Great Lakes region, as well as in parts of the central and eastern United States. The AirNow.gov website of the Environmental Protection Agency indicated that areas in Illinois, lower Michigan, and southern Wisconsin experienced the poorest air quality in the country. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee were categorized as having "very unhealthy" air quality.

This situation emphasizes the need for residents in these areas to be cautious and take appropriate measures to safeguard their health. Staying indoors, utilizing air purifiers, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities is advisable until the air quality improves. It is recommended to stay updated with local weather forecasts and air quality advisories for further guidance.