Canada wildfire smoke blankets Northeast and Midwest in US, prompting health alerts

Thick smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has created dangerous air conditions in many parts of the United States, with officials warning people to stay indoors when possible. NPR reports that Canada is facing its second-worst wildfire season ever recorded, with nearly 4,000 fires already burning this year. The smoke has traveled south across the border, making the air unhealthy to breathe in states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana.

People living in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are also being told to limit their time outside because of the poor air quality. Weather experts explain that wind patterns are pushing the polluted air from Canada into American communities, carrying the smoke like leaves being blown by the wind. Minnesota has been hit particularly hard, with officials extending their air quality alert until Monday, making it the longest alert the state has issued since 2008. NPR notes that more than 700 active fires are currently burning in Canada, with over 500 of them completely out of control, forcing thousands of Canadians to leave their homes for safety.

The smoky conditions are causing health problems that many people might mistake for regular summer allergies, but the symptoms are actually much more serious. M Live explains that wildfire smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5 that are so small they can enter a person's bloodstream after being breathed in and travel throughout the entire body. These dangerous particles can make people who normally suffer from seasonal allergies feel much worse than usual, while also causing coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation in people who typically do not have allergy problems.

A Blue Origin astronaut who flew on mission NS-34 reported that Earth appeared hazy from space on Sunday, August 3, due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Chicago Star Media Founder and Blue Origin astronaut Elaine Hyde shared this observation, which was relayed to her by the recent NS-34 crew member. The wildfire smoke created a visible atmospheric haze that obscured the typical clear view of Earth from space during the flight.

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The situation has become so severe that it is affecting air travel and ranking American cities among the most polluted places in the world. ABC News confirms that Boston's Logan International Airport experienced flight delays and even temporary ground stops because the thick smoke created such low visibility that planes could not safely take off or land. Detroit was listed as having the third-worst air quality globally on Monday, showing just how serious the pollution problem has become. At least 742 wildfires are currently burning across Canada, with 15 new fires starting just on Sunday alone, and 201 of these fires remain completely out of control.

The largest fires are burning in remote areas across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, making them extremely difficult for firefighters to reach and contain. ABC News notes that while this smoke event is serious, it is not as severe as the 2023 Canadian wildfire season that turned skies orange over major cities like New York. Air quality alerts remain in effect across eight states from Wisconsin to Maine, with officials warning that the smoky conditions may continue through Tuesday as the dangerous particles continue drifting south.