Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Midwest creates unhealthy air quality across the Northeast and Midwest.

Wildfire smoke from Canada and northeast Minnesota continues to sweep across the Midwest and Northeast, creating dangerous air quality for millions of residents. The administration announced that the smoke, driven by northwesterly winds, will impact the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic regions through the weekend. While showers and thunderstorms may provide temporary relief, a third round of smoke is expected to move southward into the South by Wednesday. In Chicago, the air quality is currently rated as unhealthy, though conditions are expected to improve as the week progresses. Health experts, including Dr. Soledad Cortina and Dr. Boris Shkolnik, warn that the microscopic particles in the smoke can cause short-term issues like coughing and shortness of breath, while prolonged exposure may lead to chronic lung and heart problems. To mitigate these effects, officials recommend staying indoors or using masks. Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford noted that Canada has over 190 active wildfires in northern Ontario, contributing significantly to the haze blanketing the eastern United States.

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