Canadian Wildfires Cause Unhealthy Air Quality Across U.S. Midwest, Northeast, Maine

Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires has caused poor air quality across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, with particularly severe impacts in Maine. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection reported air quality reaching 'unhealthy' levels in northern Maine and 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' in western regions, prompting health warnings for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. The smoke plume, originating from wildfires in Western Ontario, Manitoba, Northern Alberta, and Saskatchewan, is expected to linger through Tuesday, with onshore winds helping maintain moderate air quality in coastal and southern parts of Maine. Similar air quality alerts have been issued in other states including Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, with Minnesota experiencing its longest air quality alert since 2008. Officials advise limiting outdoor activity and taking precautions such as staying indoors and using air conditioning to reduce exposure to particle pollution. The National Weather Service and state environmental agencies continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve.