Wildfire smoke from Canada has caused unhealthy air quality across several major U.S. cities, including Chicago and St. Louis.
Wildfire smoke from Canada has significantly degraded air quality across the United States, creating a thick brown haze and forcing residents to limit outdoor activities. In Chicago, the air quality index reached 128 by Sunday evening, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma. The city recently experienced a record-breaking air quality index of 638, which led to the closure of beaches and the postponement of local events. Similar conditions were reported in St. Louis, where the air quality reached an index of 142 on Monday morning. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources noted that the smoke, primarily composed of small particles from fires in Canada and the U.S., made the air unhealthy for sensitive populations. Other regions, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis, have also been enveloped in smoke. While some areas may see relief from upcoming storms, the National Weather Service suggests that unhealthy conditions are likely to persist through Monday.