The northeastern United States and parts of Canada are experiencing significant impacts from wildfire smoke, affecting air quality and visibility. Areas including New York City, Washington, D.C., Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Minnesota are seeing smoky conditions, with air quality alerts urging residents to limit outdoor activities. In Maine, skies will remain mostly cloudy with scattered showers and foggy mornings, while coastal areas face high surf advisories due to Hurricane Ernesto. Despite the challenges, meteorologists report that the smoke is generally high in the atmosphere and not causing significant ground-level air quality issues, but there are concerns for those with respiratory conditions. Rain is forecasted over the weekend, which may help dissipate the haze. The ongoing wildfires are part of a larger trend influenced by climate change, leading to more frequent and intense fire events.