Wildfire smoke triggers Air Quality Alerts across the Midwest

Comfortable temperatures have arrived for the weekend, but the northerly winds that brought these cooler conditions also carried smoke from the upper Midwest. Air quality will be fair in Mid-Missouri, but sensitive individuals should exercise caution this weekend.

The smoke originates from wildfires in Canada, where wildfire season peaks this time of year. Fires this season have burned 14 million acres in Canada, on track to be the second-worst Canadian fire season on record. Canada’s worst wildfire season was two years ago, when around 37 million acres of land were scorched.

Wildfire smoke can carry dangerous particulate matter, known as PM 2.5, that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure can worsen asthma symptoms and contribute to other health problems like bronchitis.

Air quality is worst in the upper Midwest, where air quality monitors reported unhealthy air quality early Friday in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other Great Lakes states. With lower concentrations of smoke further south, the air quality is reported as unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG).

The air quality at USG levels in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas has triggered Air Quality Alerts where concentrations of pollutants are higher in larger cities.

Air quality is slightly better in Central Missouri, at moderate levels, meaning healthy individuals are still safe to be outside. If you or someone you know is especially sensitive to pollutants and particulate matter, make sure to take caution heading out this weekend. You may notice a haze in the northern horizon as smoke lingers on Friday and Saturday.