Minneapolis (Fox) TV Meteorologist discussing Canada’s wildfire smoke, which has been giving the Upper Midwest some of the world’s worst Air Quality for the last week or so.
Regrettably, and predictably, lots of discussion of the difficulty of fighting fires in remote parts of Canada’s boreal forest, talk of forest management, admission that this is happening more often, no mention of the “C” word.
- Exceptionally warm temperatures in parts of Saskatchewan, where wildfires are actively burning, have climbed 6.6°C to 11.4°C (11.8°F to 20.4°F) above average, reaching highs up to 33°C (91°F) — well beyond the seasonal norms for late May.
- In Manitoba, temperatures have exceeded the average by as much as 12.2°C to 13.5°C (22°F to 24.3°F), with highs also up to 33°C (91°F).
- This intense heat is tied to an unusually strong, stationary high-pressure system centered over central Canada.
- The system is part of a weather pattern called an “Omega Block” — a pattern locked in place by low-pressure systems over Alaska and the Upper Midwest.
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where wildfires are burning, are currently experiencing drought conditions ranging from “Abnormally Dry” to “Moderate Drought,” further contributing to fire risk and intensity.
- Wildfire smoke is already degrading air quality in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. It is expected to drift into the Midwestern United States through the weekend, where smoke could impact respiratory health in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
- Forecast Air Quality Index levels range from “Moderate” to“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” with cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, and Chicago likely to see reduced visibility in the afternoon and evening.
Hazy skies hung over parts of the midwest and northeastern U.S. on Sunday, caused by smoke drifting across the border from hundreds of wildfires in Canada.
Canada is experiencing its second worst wildfire season on record, according to government data, with almost 4,000 fires recorded already this calendar year.
Smoke coming across the border has affected air quality in several U.S. states. This weekend, air quality reached concerning levels across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Parts of Illinois and Indiana are also under air quality alerts. People in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are also being advised to limit outdoor activity due to pollution from the smoke.
National Weather Service Lead Forecaster Bob Oravec told NPR that the current wind patterns are once again driving the spread of polluted air into the U.S. from Canada.
“Air is moving at all levels and a lot of times it’ll move in the same direction through the whole depth of the atmosphere, so the smoke is rising into the winds and the winds just transport it downstream, like anything — like a leaf getting blown,” Oravec explained.
On Friday, Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency extended its statewide air quality alert until noon on Monday, August 4th.
Minnesota Public Radio reports the state is currently under its longest air quality alert since the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency began issuing alerts in 2008. The alert is expected to last seven days in total.
Conditions started improving in some areas of Minnesota on Sunday. Earlier this weekend, the agency reported it expected the air quality index (AQI) to reach the most severe level of “red” for all of the state, which is considered unhealthy for everyone.
In a statement, the Pollution Control Agency warned that even healthy people may experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, coughing, or shortness of breath. Others could feel more serious impacts, the agency said.
“Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke,” according to the Pollution Control Agency statement.