Hazy Skies and Poor Air Quality in North America Many people in Canada and the USA are wondering why the air quality is bad again, with hazy conditions enveloping their cities. The reason behind this hazy situation is a series of wildfires that have been affecting the region. While wildfires are not uncommon in North America, this year has been particularly challenging. Canada’s President Justin Trudeau even declared it the “worst wildfire season” in recorded history.
Wildfires Across Canada According to the Canadian National Fire Database, these wildfires have already consumed over 3.8 million hectares of land. Shockingly, around 900 wildfires are still burning, and approximately 580 of them are considered “out-of-control” by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
What Caused the Canadian Wildfires?
The British Columbia Wildfire Service reported that nearly 400 fires ignited in British Columbia, one of Canada’s provinces. More than 200 of these fires were sparked by an astounding 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms. However, the real problem began due to a major catalyst – an arid climate in Canada that allowed the fires to spread rapidly. At the same time, the province was facing severe drought conditions, and the thunderstorms that did occur didn’t bring enough rain to put out the fires.
The Impact on Canada The primary sources of these fires are mainly concentrated in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwestern Territories. Eastern Canada is also grappling with fires in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. In June, heavy smoke from Quebec traveled all the way to the East Coast of the United States, affecting areas like New York City, Washington, and Minnesota.
The Smoke’s Effect on Air Quality As of July 18th, Chicago experienced the highest levels of air pollution due to smoke particles from the Canadian wildfires. The air quality in the city was classified as “unhealthy” with an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 154, including hazardous PM 2.5 particles.
The state issued a “code red” advisory, urging residents to stay indoors for their safety. The smoke didn’t stop at the border; it reached the Midwest and Northeastern parts of the USA as well. The National Weather Service had already issued an air quality alert for the Great Lakes, Midwest, and northern High Plains due to the dense concentration of Canadian wildfire smoke.
Why Is the Air Quality Poor Again?
The wildfires initially started in dry ground, leading to rapid and uncontrollable expansion. This, in turn, produced a thick layer of smoke that blanketed the affected regions. The fires have overwhelmed firefighting resources across the country, making it challenging to control the situation.
Joel Thornton, a professor at the University of Washington, explained that the warming planet is contributing to hotter and longer heatwaves, which in turn lead to larger and smokier fires. This worsening air quality is a growing concern for people’s health.
Protecting Yourself from Poor Air Quality In light of these conditions, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. People are advised to wear masks when going outside. Installing air purifiers or HVAC systems in your homes can also help improve indoor air quality. Vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, asthma patients, and those with heart complications, are strongly urged to remain indoors.
Hope for Improvement The rainy season offers a glimmer of hope to improve air quality and potentially provide enough moisture to extinguish the wildfires. However, until then, people in affected areas must stay vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their health.
Conclusion
The hazy conditions and poor air quality in Canada and the USA are primarily due to the devastating wildfires that continue to rage across the region. While efforts are being made to contain these fires, the warming planet poses a long-term challenge. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and well-being by following safety guidelines and taking measures to mitigate the effects of poor air quality.