Canadian Wildfire Smoke Causes Air Quality Alerts Across Upper Midwest, Michigan, Nunavut

Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires is significantly impacting air quality across the northern United States and parts of Canada this weekend. Michigan has issued a statewide air quality alert due to smoke, with the worst conditions expected in northern areas and health officials advising those with heart and respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities. Similarly, Minnesota and Wisconsin are experiencing unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality levels, affecting over 20 million people, with worsening conditions expected through the weekend and some improvement possible early next week. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources advises sensitive individuals to move activities indoors or reduce intensity due to the smoke's progression across the state. In Nunavut, limited formal air quality monitoring means residents must rely on visible and sensory signs to detect smoke exposure and take precautions such as avoiding outdoor exercise and using air purifiers. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic conditions, are urged to minimize exposure to the poor air quality caused by the extensive wildfires burning over 14 million acres in Canada.