ONGOING AIR QUALITY ALERT: Canadian Wildfires

Updated: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM (EST)

Canadian wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across the United States, with significant effects observed in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions.

In Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued air quality alerts due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke. While some improvement is expected, residents, especially those in sensitive groups, should continue to monitor air quality levels and take necessary precautions.

In Maine, the Department of Environmental Protection has extended an air quality alert through 11 PM Thursday for coastal areas, including York County. Elevated ozone levels and moderate particle pollution from wildfire smoke are contributing to unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.

🗺️ Regions with Lowered Air Quality Due to Ongoing Wildfires

United States

Minnesota: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports that waves of heavy Canadian wildfire smoke are expected to skirt just north of the Minnesota/Canada border through Saturday, June 7, 2025. Residents, especially those in sensitive groups, should continue to monitor air quality levels and take necessary precautions.

Maine: The Department of Environmental Protection has extended an air quality alert through 11 PM Thursday for coastal areas, including York County. Elevated ozone levels and moderate particle pollution from wildfire smoke are contributing to unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.

Wisconsin: An air quality alert is in effect through noon on Thursday, June 5, due to wildfire smoke causing visible hazy skies and reduced visibility in portions of southeast Wisconsin.

Illinois: Chicago is experiencing some of the worst air quality globally due to wildfire smoke, with an air quality alert in effect until Friday night.

Michigan: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for the state until noon Friday, June 6, due to Canadian wildfire smoke.

Iowa: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. Thursday, June 5, as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires was pulled down to the surface, potentially reaching the red or unhealthy category in affected areas.

New York: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday, June 5, for ozone, including the New York City Metro, Long Island, and Lower Hudson Valley regions. Western, Central New York, the Southern tier, and Capital Region are also experiencing bad air quality.

Massachusetts: An air quality alert is in effect for the Boston area through Thursday night due to elevated ozone levels, not directly because of the Canadian wildfires.

Connecticut: Elevated ground-level ozone layers will cause the air quality index in Connecticut to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Thursday, June 5.

New Jersey: Air quality in East Brunswick, NJ, is unhealthy today due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia and surrounding areas are under air quality alerts due to the ongoing impact of Canadian wildfire smoke.

Canada

Manitoba: Wildfires are contributing to cross-border smoke affecting U.S. air quality.

Saskatchewan: Ongoing wildfires are impacting regional air quality.

Alberta: Wildfire activity is contributing to smoke dispersion.

Ontario: Smoke from wildfires is affecting air quality in adjacent U.S. states.

⚠️ Health Advisory

Residents in affected areas should take immediate precautions:

🏠 Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
🌀 Use an air purifier equipped with Certified HEPA Material and activated carbon to reduce indoor smoke and pollutants, like the Austin Air HealthMate Plus or HealthMate Plus Junior.
😷 Wear an N95 or KN95 mask outdoors to reduce smoke inhalation.
🛑 Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak AQI hours.
📡 Check local air quality updates frequently and follow all public health guidance.

For more information on current air quality conditions, visit the AirNow website.

Updated: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2 PM (EST)

Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan continues to spread across North America, impacting new regions since the fires intensified late last week. As the smoke plume moves southeast, areas previously unaffected are now experiencing dangerously poor air quality.

In many places, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently rated “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (above 100) due to the combination of wildfire smoke and elevated ozone. Vulnerable populations—including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions—should limit time outdoors.

🚨 Regions with Lowered Air Quality Due to Ongoing Wildfires

United States

Minnesota: Entire state under air quality alert.
Wisconsin: Entire state under air quality alert.
Iowa: Entire state under air quality alert.
Michigan: Northern counties, including Manistee, Benzie, Chippewa, Charlevoix, Antrim, and Emmet.
Illinois: Chicago and surrounding areas.
Nebraska: Eastern counties, including Omaha and Lincoln.
Ohio: Northeastern regions, including Cleveland and Akron.
New York: Entire state, including New York City Metro Area
Massachusetts: Boston and surrounding areas.
Connecticut: Hartford, New Haven, and surrounding areas.
New Jersey: Newark, Jersey City, and surrounding areas.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and the Lower Susquehanna Valley.

Canada

Manitoba: Flin Flon and surrounding northern regions.
Saskatchewan: Regina and central prairie communities.
Alberta: Peace River and northern forest zones.
Ontario: Sault Ste. Marie and Great Lakes-adjacent areas.