Wildfires in Canada produce hazardous air quality that covers extensive areas in the Midwest region
The smoky skies are expected to remain for much of the day, as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to significantly impact air quality across Midwestern states. As of early August 2025, the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels have ranged mainly from "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" to "Unhealthy" and in some areas reaching "Very Unhealthy."
In Minnesota, cities like Minneapolis have experienced AQI levels placing them among the worst air quality locations globally for several days, indicative of unhealthy conditions for the general population. Wisconsin, especially Milwaukee, and Michigan have seen AQI values from Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy due to dense smoke. Iowa and other parts of the Midwest have alerts at least at the level of unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Forecasts suggest the smoke will persist for several more days but may gradually thin out or shift. Air quality alerts remain in effect across these states, with meteorological factors like northerly winds driving smoke southward but also causing shifts in exposure levels over short periods.
For sensitive groups (those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, children, older adults, pregnant women), the elevated AQI means there is increased risk of health problems such as difficulty breathing, worsened asthma or heart conditions, and other issues. Recommendations include limiting outdoor exposure, staying indoors with filtered air if possible, and following local health advisories.
Health officials advise people with asthma and other lung disease, heart disease, children, and older adults to avoid prolonged exposure to smoke and limit strenuous activities. The air could remain unhealthy for sensitive groups through Monday, according to state health officials.
According to IQAir, the city of Minneapolis has experienced some of the worst air pollution in the world since Friday. Air quality alerts have been issued in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, eastern Nebraska, and parts of Indiana and Illinois. Parts of Minnesota have exceeded the AQI of 150 on Saturday, which is considered unhealthy for everyone.
To minimize the effects of smoke, health officials recommend avoiding burning things that could make the air pollution worse, and keeping windows and doors closed to keep the smoke from getting inside. The EPA's Air Quality Index converts all pollutant levels into a single number, with lower numbers indicating better air quality. The AQI breaks pollution down into six categories and colors, with "hazardous" being maroon. Anything above 150 on the AQI is bad for everyone, while 100-150 is unhealthy for "sensitive groups."
As the smoke starts to decline beginning Saturday, it may spread as far south as Tennessee and Missouri. It is crucial for everyone, especially sensitive groups, to take precautions and stay informed about the current air quality conditions in their area.
- The smoky skies, due to Canadian wildfires, have been causing significant health concerns, particularly in the field of environmental science, as air quality across Midwestern states has deteriorated, reaching "Very Unhealthy" levels in some areas, and adversely impacting mental health due to the prolonged exposure.
- In the realms of health-and-wellness and science, it is essential to prioritize strategies that limit outdoor activities for sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, children, older adults, and pregnant women, due to the ongoing health risks posed by the smoky skies and poor air quality.
