Millions of Americans are breathing hazardous air as smoke from hundreds of wildfires in Canada and Minnesota spreads across the region. Air quality alerts cover tens of millions of residents from the Great Lakes to Washington, D.C., with dangerous conditions reported in Detroit, Minneapolis, and Toronto.
An unfortunate series of weather conditions drives the toxic smoke's reach. "A heat dome that has been sitting across the central United States has shifted back to the west," explained Peyton Simmers, meteorologist for AccuWeather. "On the northern side of the heat dome, there are northwesterly winds aimed at the Great Lakes and Northeast United States. The smoke rides the upper air winds like train tracks."
AccuWeather predicts smoky conditions will persist across the Great Lakes region and down to New York without relief through the weekend. Relief is expected this weekend as winds turn more westerly, keeping smoke away from the United States. However, any northwest winds next week could bring smoke back, though conditions should improve.
Poor air quality presents higher risk to vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. Officials advise staying indoors, wearing masks if outside, and turning car AC to recirculate air to limit exposure. Pets should also remain indoors.