Why is it so hazy today? Air quality in Iowa impaired by West Coast wildfires

Iowans are seeing the effects of wildfires from across the West Coast. Smoke is causing air quality across Iowa to decline slightly.

Over the last few days, it has been cloudy with a light haze visible in the distance. This isn't the first time Iowa's air quality has been impaired by wildfires this year. In June , a batch of wildfires caused haze to fall on the skyline of Des Moines for multiple days. In May 2023, Des Moines was under an air quality advisory , meaning the air was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Why is it so hazy today?

Wildfires from the West Coast are sending clouds of smoke and haze across the Western and Midwestern regions of the United States. Canada is also experiencing hazy skies.

Smoke is expected to expand across the northern United States and most of Canada in the next few days, according to AccuWeather forecasters . Smoke will be the thickest in from eastern Oregon all the way to Minnesota. Some layers of smoke could extend to the Midwest, according to AccuWeather reports .

What is the air quality in Des Moines?

Des Moines air quality stood at a good standard Wednesday morning but is predicted to decline to a moderate standard by Wednesday afternoon. It is expected to remain at a moderate air quality standard through Thursday, according to a forecast from the U.S. Air Quality Index .

What is the air quality around Iowa on Wednesday?

Most of Iowa is under moderate air quality standards, which is only one step below the highest standard known as "good." Parts of Des Moines, southwestern and a portion of northern Iowa are the only areas under good air quality conditions as of Wednesday morning, according to the Iowa DNR.

Where are the wildfires?

Wildfires are burning in western United States and Canada. State particular impeded by the fires include California and Utah where hundreds of acres have been burned, according to USA TODAY . The states have issued evacuation orders as the fires torched homes and threatened nearby communities.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why is it so hazy today? Air quality in Iowa impaired by West Coast wildfires