Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest to East Coast, Exposing Millions to Unhealthy Air

Canadian and Minnesota wildfires are driving hazardous air quality across 17 states, prompting flight delays and closures.

Heavy, pungent wildfire smoke darkened skies across large parts of the United States on Thursday, stretching from the Great Lakes to the East Coast and prompting warnings that outdoor air could be dangerous to breathe, PBS NewsHour reported.

More than 115 million people may be exposed to unhealthy air quality as smoke spreads across at least 17 states from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, according to PBS NewsHour. The smoke has caused flight delays, shut down pools and beaches, and forced the cancellation of other outdoor activities.

NPR reported the smoke originated from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota, with orange skies visible over wide swaths of the country. Hazardous air quality conditions were expected to persist, NPR said.

Health officials urged residents in affected areas to limit time outdoors as visibility dropped and pollution levels climbed, according to PBS NewsHour, which said the smoke was reducing visibility in addition to posing respiratory risks.

— Compiled from reporting by NPR and PBS NewsHour.