More than 830 wildfires burning across Canada, along with additional fires in northern Minnesota, are sending thick smoke into the United States, creating dangerous air quality conditions across parts of the Midwest and Northeast while extreme heat continues to grip much of the country.
A hazy orange layer covered New York City’s skyline Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires pushed into the region. Air quality officials issued health advisories as pollution levels reached unhealthy levels in New York City, parts of western and central New York, and areas near Lake Ontario.
The worst of the smoke is coming from large wildfires in west-central Ontario, where massive forest fires are producing heavy plumes that are being carried south by strong winds. Officials warned that millions of people could experience unhealthy air conditions through the end of the week.
New York City officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, pregnant individuals, and children. Residents were encouraged to remain indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
The smoke is arriving as a widespread heat wave affects much of the country. Parts of the Northeast and Midwest are experiencing temperatures in the upper 90s and triple digits, creating additional health risks. Rain expected later in the week could help clear some of the smoke from affected areas.
Heavy smoke blanketed parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, with conditions expected to worsen across portions of New York, New England, and the Great Lakes region. Cities including Cleveland, Columbus, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., were expected to experience hazy skies and deteriorating air quality.
Officials warned the smoke could become dangerous for everyone, not just people with existing health concerns. Air quality alerts were issued across several states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Meanwhile, extreme heat warnings remained in effect across multiple regions. Temperatures along the East Coast were expected to approach 100 degrees, with heat indexes making conditions feel even hotter. New York City could feel like 104 degrees, Washington, D.C., around 105 degrees, and Philadelphia near 107 degrees.
Minneapolis remained under an extreme heat warning, with heat indexes expected to reach around 100 degrees. Southern California also faced dangerous heat, with an extreme heat warning issued for the Los Angeles area as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s and triple digits.
Parts of California’s San Joaquin Valley were also expected to see temperatures exceed 100 degrees, including highs near 104 degrees in Fresno and 105 degrees in Bakersfield.
At the same time, severe weather continued in Texas, where flash flooding remained a major concern in the Hill Country. Several inches of rain had already fallen, leading to water rescues, with additional heavy rainfall expected.
The flooding threat reached the highest level in parts of South-Central Texas, with some areas potentially receiving up to 20 inches of rain. A tornado was also reported near San Antonio on Wednesday morning, though no immediate damage was reported.
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