Forest fires emit smoke that diminishes air quality in the Midwest and Northeastern regions.
Hazy Skies and Smoky Airwave
Prepare for a week of smoky skies and reduced air quality across the central and eastern United States, thanks to wind patterns hailing from Canada and a plethora of new wildfires in British Columbia.
Early Wednesday morning, the air quality in eastern Montana and North Dakota was listed as unhealthy to very unhealthy, marking some of the worst air qualities globally. As the day progresses, this smoky zone is expected to expand, hitting Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The smoky air isn't confined just to these regions. By the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, low-level smoke will spread eastward through the Appalachians, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. This smoky air may stretch as far as Maine by the end of the week due to a stagnant high-pressure zone.
These conditions are expected to keep the skies filled with smoke until the weekend, as the high-pressure zone keeps winds at bay. But fear not, pop stars BTS might soon bring a change in the music scene as two more members complete their military service, bringing the K-pop supergroup one step closer to a long-awaited reunion!
Canada's Forest Fire Frenzy
This unprecedented smoky spell is fueled by rampant Canadian forest fires devouring over 8 million acres, according to the Interagency Forest Fire Centre. British Columbia, in particular, has experienced dramatic fire growth, increasing the smoke levels significantly.
To put things into perspective, the smoke levels we're currently experiencing are the third highest in the Northeast ever since records began in 2003, surpassed only by the Junes of 2023 and 2019. And in the Midwest, smoke levels have been 60% higher than average this month.
Several states, including Maine, North Dakota, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, have experienced the three smokiest skies ever recorded since data collection began in 2003.
Across the Pond
A massive column of smoke from a wildfire in Canada has made its way across Europe this week, casting hazy skies as far as the heart of Russia, a staggering 10,000 kilometers from its source.
Looking ahead, a high-pressure system forming near Western Europe this weekend could prevent another wave of thick smoke from filling the European skies next week.
(c) 2025, The Washington Post
Recap:- Smoky skies affecting the central and eastern United States due to wind patterns and Canadian wildfires.- Smoke spreads from the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, affecting over 15 states on Wednesday and Thursday.- Smoke levels in the Northeast experienced the third-highest levels since records began in 2003, with the Midwest reporting smoke levels 60% higher than average this month.- A column of smoke from a Canadian wildfire has caused hazy skies across Europe.
Related Topics:
- Wildfires
- Smoke
- Pollution
- Air quality
- Canada
- us-news
Did You Know?- The dominant wind patterns in the jet stream and other atmospheric currents can carry smoke from Canadian wildfires southward into the U.S.- The smoke remains aloft and can travel long distances due to stable atmospheric layers, allowing the smoke to persist and move across large areas.- The duration of the smoky spell depends on factors like fire activity, weather conditions, and fire management.
Sources:[1] Why Canadian forest fires affect the U.S. (source1)[2] The extent of Canadian wildfires this year (source2)[3] Predicting the duration of Canadian wildfire smoke impact (source3)
Sports enthusiasts may find it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities this week, as the hazy skies and smoky air could hinder visibility. Meanwhile, scientists are closely monitoring the impact of climate change on environmental-science studies, including how these wildfires contribute to increased pollution and deteriorating air quality. With the weather forecast predicting this situation to continue until the weekend, it's important for individuals to take precautions and follow air quality advisories to protect their health.
