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Air pollution

Wildfire Smoke to Blanket Central and Eastern US States by End of Week

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A massive wave of wildfire smoke, fueled by new blazes in British Columbia, is set to engulf central and eastern US states by the end of the week, with air quality levels reaching hazardous levels in parts of Montana and North Dakota. The smoke, which has already spread to Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is expected to persist through the weekend, with some areas experiencing near-record smoke concentrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center reports that over 8 million acres have burned in Canada, with significant fire growth in British Columbia contributing to increased smoke levels.
  • Two areas of low-level wildfire smoke will move across central and eastern states on Wednesday and Thursday, affecting over 15 states, with concentrations boosted by new fires in British Columbia.
  • Residents from Kentucky to Maine are likely to awaken to hazy conditions on Thursday, with high pressure causing air to stagnate and preventing winds from blowing smoke away.
  • Smoky conditions may linger over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Friday.
  • Atmospheric smoke concentrations in the Midwest have been 60 percent higher than normal, with average smoke concentrations in the Northeast this June the third highest since records began in 2003.
  • Montana and North Dakota have some of the worst air quality on the planet, ranking as unhealthy to very unhealthy.
  • A high-pressure system forming near Western Europe this weekend may prevent another round of thick smoke from filling European skies next week.

Statistics:

  • Over 8 million acres have burned in Canada (Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center)
  • Wildfire smoke will affect over 15 states on Wednesday and Thursday
  • Atmospheric smoke concentrations in the Midwest have been 60 percent higher than normal
  • Average smoke concentrations in the Northeast this June are the third highest since records began in 2003
  • 10 states have experienced top-three smokiest skies this month, considering data back to 2003

Sources:

  • Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center
  • Ben Noll

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