Canadian Wildfire Smoke Headed to the Northern Plains and Midwest

Ready or not, the smoky season is here. Forecasters are warning that smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is once again going to make its way south and into the U.S. in the days ahead.

While parts of the northern and central U.S. are dealing with the smoke generated from the wildfires in Canada, Florida will be under the gun for the arrival of the Saharan dust cloud. Here is a look at this hazy forecast for a large part of the country.

Smoky Conditions Expected for Northern Plains and Midwest

Canadians will not soon forget the devastating 2023 wildfire season. While the year 2024 was quieter on this front, more fires are now breaking out across our neighbor to the north. Several fires have come to life in a zone from British Columbia to Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Local officials believe that most of the fires are man-made. These causes include burning debris near structures, being careless about parking ATVs in dry grassy areas, and not taking proper care to put out campfires.

The steering winds currently circulating over Canada are sending the smoke from these fires to the southeast. This smoke is expected to filter across the northern Plains and the Midwest late this week and into the weekend. Most residents in these regions will notice the smoke in the form of more vivid sunrises and sunsets.

It is also possible that the smoke will extend into the lower levels of the atmosphere, negatively impacting visibility and air quality levels. The smoky conditions could pose health concerns for vulnerable individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues. Travel could also be impacted if the smoke is thick enough.