Wildfires in Canada are Having a Major Impact on Air Quality in Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S. Seaboard

The smoke from the wildfires in Canada is traveling down to the United States

Photo byMalachi BrooksonUnsplash

The United States, especially the Eastern half of the nation, is experiencing poor air quality due to the wildfires raging in Quebec, Canada. Pennsylvania is one of the states that's been affected by the smoke from the fires making its way down the East Coast.

Residents from Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties should all try to limit outdoor activities as much as possible right now.

There has been a quite noticeable haze and a smell of burning plastic or trash in the area, prompting many calls to 911.

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, said the smoke and haze from the wildfires were beginning to reduce visibility in the area this morning. Forecasters expect some improvement after daybreak today. However, a thick plume of smoke is expected to spread into the area Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Certain people may be more vulnerable to the current air quality. People with asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis should be careful by staying indoors, keeping their windows shut, and avoiding any strenuous exercise or activity.

The region was placed under a code red air quality alert this morning, meaning air quality within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for some members of the general population.

Parts of Berks County were even in the purple area today. The purple area means "very unhealthy" air quality for everyone.

Half of the Air Quality Index MapPhoto byU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Remainder of Air Quality IndexPhoto byU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

AirNow, which monitors air quality throughout the country, has said that we can expect these conditions to continue into Thursday, but we may see some improvement by Friday.

Find up-to-date air quality levels at https://www.airnow.gov/ by entering a Zip code.