A thick haze of smoke and fine particulate matter from wildfires in Canada and the US has persisted for several days, causing widespread disruptions to daily life. The air quality alerts and warnings have prompted residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities, with nearly 600 flights delayed, Major League Baseball games postponed, and Broadway shows canceled or postponed. The haze has turned skies orange and blanketed major cities, forcing the closure of popular tourist attractions and prompting officials to set up emergency shelters for those living outside.
The poor air quality has also had a significant impact on people’s daily lives, with many choosing to work from home and wear masks in public. In Toronto, Yili Ma said her hiking group had to cancel a planned hike and she was avoiding outdoor activities altogether. Dr. Ken Strumpf, who lives in Syracuse, New York, said he could “taste the air” and was finding it difficult to breathe. New York governor Kathy Hochul called the situation a “public health crisis” and urged residents to remain vigilant, as the winds could shift and bring the haze back.
Smoke Haze Brings Uncertainty to US and Canada
Emergency responders are working to contain the wildfires, and international cooperation is underway to address the crisis. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with US President Joe Biden to discuss the need to work together to address the impacts of climate change. However, the situation is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as the fires in Quebec are expected to continue for weeks, and the haze is expected to remain a health concern until the situation improves.
The haze is the result of a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia, which is driving smoke-filled air south into the US. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said conditions are likely to remain unhealthy until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the fires in Quebec are expected to continue for weeks. Smoke-filled air has become a reality for millions of people in the US and Canada, causing widespread disruptions and a significant impact on people’s daily lives.
