Wildfire Smoke Impacts Air Quality Across U.S. Cities
Wildfire Smoke Impacts Air Quality Across U.S. Cities
US · Published Apr 24, 2026
Wildfire smoke from Canada is causing significant air quality issues in major U.S. cities.
Air quality alerts are in effect across 20 states, advising residents to take protective measures.
The situation is expected to improve by the weekend as winds shift, potentially clearing the smoke.
Quebec wildfires cause US air quality issues
Wildfires in Quebec, Canada, are causing significant air quality issues across the United States, impacting major cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Columbus, Ohio. New York City recorded the worst air quality rating globally on Wednesday. Air quality alerts have been issued in 20 states, from Missouri to Massachusetts. The fires are fueled by unusually dry and warm weather, surpassing the capacity of wildfire prevention efforts.
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