Canadian Wildfires Generate Widespread Heavy Smoke Across Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast

Extensive wildfires in Canada, particularly in east-central Saskatchewan, west-central Manitoba, and western Ontario, have produced large plumes of moderate to heavy smoke drifting into the northern U.S. Plains and Midwest. The smoke has affected wide areas including North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, leading to air quality alerts in parts of Minnesota and concerns over potential health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. In Manitoba, a state of emergency has been declared due to the scale of the wildfires, resulting in the evacuation of over 17,000 residents, marking one of the largest mass evacuations in the province's history. Meteorologists warn that the smoke may dim the sun and cause hazy skies, with the risk of poor air quality increasing if smoke concentrations rise closer to ground level. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities, and monitor air quality updates through official channels. This event highlights growing concerns over wildfire frequency and severity linked to hot, dry conditions across North America.