Wildfires in Canada spread thick smoke across New York City
Smoke from more than 450 wildfires burning in Canada has caused air quality conditions from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” in parts of the Midwest US this week. as the South faces heatwave warnings.
Dense smoke created a gray haze that enveloped Chicago on Tuesday, giving the city the worst air quality in the world. Public health officials are recommending that people limit going out and take precautions before venturing out, including wearing face masks.
On Wednesday, Pennsylvania issued a “code red” for parts of the western part of the state as the smoke started moving east.
Residents of New York City and other East Coast cities have been warned of potentially worsening air quality conditions throughout the week.
Governor Kathy Hochul request New Yorkers check air quality conditions before heading out. Mayor Eric Adams recommended that everyone wear a mask as a precaution.
Canada is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. More than 250 wildfires are considered “out of control” and are breaking out more every day, in part due to hot, dry conditions.
Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 100 degrees from New Mexico to Mississippi.
Air Quality Index as of Wednesday evening
As winds blew smoke across the east and north Midwest, the air quality index (AQI) in several cities fell on Wednesday.
Chicago-217, Very Unhealthy
Cleveland – 236, Very Unhealthy
Pittsburgh – 180, Unhealthy
Philadelphia – 142, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 23:00
In the photo: Texans find ways to cool off
Residents swim at Barton Creek Pool on June 27, 2023 in Austin, Texas
(AFP via Getty Images)
A resident and his dog sunbathe at Zilker Park on June 27, 2023 in Austin, Texas
(AFP via Getty Images)
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 22:30
New York City distributes masks
In preparation for the smoke conditions expected to hit New York City after Wednesday, several city departments will be handing out face masks.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority, Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation are distributing face masks to commuters.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 22:00
Pittsburgh Pirates Will Still Play Despite Air Quality
Major League Baseball (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates speak they will still be playing the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night despite the AQI reaching “unhealthy levels”.
“We are currently planning to hold the match tonight as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor air quality index levels around the ballpark,” the Pittsburgh Pirates wrote in a statement.
The group said it has reached out to MLB as well as a group of healthcare providers for advice on AQI.
The city was hit by smoke on Wednesday from wildfires in Canada that caused potentially dangerous smog and breathing air.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 21:30
Philadelphia declares ‘code red’
As smoke from the Canadian wildfires begins to move eastward, cities along the East Coast are bracing for another day of poor air quality.
Philadelphia declared Wednesday a “code red” day because air quality reached “unhealthy” levels in the afternoon.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health requires residents to take precautions such as avoiding spending time outside, wearing a mask when outdoors, paying attention to any symptoms related to shortness of breath, etc.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 21:15
Where are the wildfires burning in Canada right now?
Air quality plummeted again this week across large swaths of the United States and Canada as hundreds of wildfires raged out of control north of the border.
There are 480 fires burning across the country, according to the Canadian Interagency Fire Center, with a new fire breaking out on Wednesday.
Some 237 fires are burning out of control and affecting provinces and territories from coast to coast. The fires are affecting 10 provinces, two territories and national parks.
Ariana Baio And Louise Boyle report:
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 21:00
Climate protesters call on Biden to ‘declare a climate emergency’
When President Joe Biden arrived at the JW Marriott in Chicago on Wednesday, protesters outside the building called for the president to declare a climate emergency, according to a report from the White House reporting team.
“As the group entered, we could hear chants and see signs of protesters demanding Biden declare a climate emergency,” the report said.
Chicago experienced the worst air quality in the world on Tuesday due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
As parts of the Midwest grapple with air conditions, millions of Americans in the South are experiencing dangerous heat waves.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 20:24
Cleveland cancels all events due to poor air quality
The city of Cleveland canceled all outdoor events on Wednesday due to poor air quality due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
By 3 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) had reached 245, which is considered “very unhealthy.”
Mr Bibb wrote: “Especially those with heart and respiratory problems.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 20:15
Surface smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to move east
A map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the expected path of surface smoke from wildfires in Canada moving away from Chicago and the Midwest and toward Pennsylvania and New York.
Cities above New York such as Buffalo and Rochester could face poor air quality conditions in the coming days as maps show smoke moving east and north.
Surface smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to fly from Chicago towards Pittsburgh and Buffalo
(NOAA)
However, wind patterns can change the direction of wildfire smoke.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 20:00
Texas power grid projects record energy use as devastating heat continues
The Texas grid operator is expected to hit record electricity usage Wednesday as the state faces a prolonged and devastating heatwave.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the heatwave is expected to linger over much of Texas along with parts of eastern and southern New Mexico possibly into next week.
Weather forecasters say Houston, the state’s largest city, will hit 99 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on Wednesday – 6 degrees hotter than usual for this time of year.
In south and west Texas, temperatures spiked to triple digits. San Angelo hit an all-time high of 114F on Tuesday, the NWS reported.
Ariana BaioJune 28, 2023 19:45
