NYC air quality today: Will Canadian wildfire smoke reach the East Coast? (2024)

FAQs

Where will the Canada wildfire smoke reach? ›

Far-reaching atmospheric impacts

The wildfires have been affecting air quality, both locally and further afield. Long-range transport of the smoke has reached eastern Canada and the east coast of the United States, bringing hazy skies and contributing to reduced air quality in major cities across the region.

Last June, New York was blanketed with wildfire smoke from Canada. It not only cast a haze across the skies, but also prompted air quality warnings from health officials.

Because smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, air quality can also be a problem far from the wildfire itself. Air quality can change rapidly.

Wildfire smoke poses health risks to everyone, but especially individuals with existing health conditions. It's associated with strokes, heart disease, respiratory disease, lung cancer, and early death, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, parts of Wisconsin and Iowa were under air quality alerts because of uncontrollable wildfires in Canada.

Last June, winds blew smoke from unchecked Canadian wildfires into the region, which led the Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an air quality health advisory for all five boroughs.

California almost always tops the list of states with the most wildfires, and it's a good example of how some states face greater risk because of their climate.

Research shows that roughly half of all fires in Canada are directly started by people and, on average, they account for about 20% of the area burned each year. Furthermore, human-driven climate change is making fire seasons longer, resulting in larger and more frequent wildfires.

Sometimes the smoke sinks to the ground. Strong winds can carry the smoke long distances, even thousands of miles.

Why can't you smell the smoke from Canada? ›

While the tiny particulate matter that reduces air quality and creates the haze can travel great distances, you have to be relatively close to the source to be able to smell the smoke.

Masks. People who must be outdoors for long periods of time, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator mask.

In some cases, smoke can hang around for days or even weeks, especially if there are no significant weather events like rain or strong winds to help clear it out. This can impact air quality and visibility in the affected areas.

The most effective treatment for headaches can vary from person to person, but over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil can help. Staying hydrated is also critical, Dr. Fadadu said.

In recent years, wildfires and urban fires have become more prevalent, posing significant health risks, not just to our lungs but also to our skin and hair. The impact of smoke and airborne particulates on our scalp and hair can be substantial, leading to various issues, including dryness, brittleness, and irritation.

Some significant fires in the region include the Shetland Creek wildfire near Spences Bridge, British Columbia, which has merged with the Teit Creek fire, as well as numerous fires across Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Major fires are also burning in Saskatchewan and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

In 1793 the city name was changed to York, but in 1834 it was renamed Toronto. Over the years, the city has adopted several nicknames, including the Big Smoke.

Heat and lightning have caused a recent increase in fires in Western Canada, sending smoke to Michigan. The number of acres burned in 2024 is still well below the scale of last year's historic fire season, although an ongoing drought in Western Canada could mean more fires are on the way.

In short, yes. Many will have seen the Jasper fire news — as of now, all of Jasper National Park in Alberta is under an evacuation order due to wildfire.