Wildfire smoke leaves 100 million under air quality alerts as nine Texas prison inmates die in heatwave

People living in the Midwest and Northeast were warned of a worsening air quality index throughout the week due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires

Canadian wildfires spread haze over New York City

The US is currently battling extreme weather events, with millions of people under air quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast while southern states including Texas are battling dangerous heatwaves.

Smoke from more than 500 wildfires burning in Canada is blanketing large areas across the country and causing “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” air quality conditions for residents.

As of early Friday morning, more than 100 million people were under air quality alerts.

Toronto had the worst air quality in the world of all major cities, followed by Washington DC, according to IQAir.

Meanwhile, almost 60 million people were under heat alerts on Wednesday as “dangerous” temperatures continued to grip southern states and parts of Mexico.

The relentless, triple-digit heatwave – exacerbated by the climate crisis – entered its third week. The severe conditions have caused 13 deaths in Texas and led to a spike in emergency room attendance across the state.

At least nine inmates – including two men in their 30s – in Texas prisons have died of heart attacks or unknown causes since the start of the sweltering heatwave.

Key Points

• What is the air quality index (AQI)?
• Map shows where air quality conditions are unhealthy
• ‘Code red’ declared in western Pennsylvania due to air quality
• What started the Canadian wildfires?
• Parts of the US facing intense heatwaves

[30 June 2023 10:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

ER visits spike in Texas as 13 people die in US South

Nearly 60 million people were under heat alerts in the United States on Wednesday as “dangerous” temperatures continued to grip southern states and parts of Mexico.

The relentless, triple-digit heatwave – exacerbated by the climate crisis – has entered its third week. The severe conditions have caused 13 deaths in Texas and led to a spike in emergency room attendance across the state.

Louise Boyle reports.

[30 June 2023 10:45 · Rachel Sharp]

IN PICTURES: Wildfire smoke over Manhattan

(REUTERS)

(AP)

(REUTERS)

[30 June 2023 11:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

How long will the smoke last?

According to meteorologist Matthew Cappucci, much of the US will be facing intermittent smoke all summer long — probably until October.

With the fires not being combatted and unlikely to die down during the summer months, every northwest wind will bring smoke back to the eastern US.

[30 June 2023 11:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

In pictures: Smoke smothers Washington, DC

The National Mall is hazy with smoke from wildfires in Canada obscuring the view of the Capitol almost completely past the Washington Monument, as seen from the Lincoln Memorial plaza, 29 June 2023 (AP)

Marine One, with President Joe Biden on board, flys past the Jefferson Memorial as it appears hazy from wild fire smoke (Getty Images)

[30 June 2023 12:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

Dangerous heat persists into next week

The National Weather Service’s latest bulletin states:

Oppressive heat and humidity will continue across the Lower Mississippi Valley and Mid-South through Saturday with max heat indices exceeding 110 degrees. Sweltering temperatures into the upper 90s are expected to enter much of the Southeast on Sunday and linger through July 4th, with elevated heat indices also remaining across South Texas and the Gulf Coast.

[30 June 2023 12:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

How to keep pets safe amid unhealthy air quality alerts

Air quality has plummeted again this week across large parts of the United States and Canada due to more than 450 wildfires burning north of the border.

Experts estimate that each hour of exposure to wildfire smoke is equivalent to smoking cigarettes continuously for the same amount of time - but that’s just for humans.

Imagine how wildfire smoke affects our beloved pets? Poor air quality may pose an even greater risk to animals because of their smaller size.

Meredith Clark reports.

[30 June 2023 13:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

How does wildfire smoke affect your health?

Wildfires are increasing in frequency, size and severity globally due to hot and dry conditions being driven by the climate crisis. Fire seasons have become roughly 20 per cent longer around the world in the last 40 years, the World Health Organisation reports, and are expected to escalate as the global temperature rises.

Wildfire smoke can have serious health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children, the pregnant, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Read more...

[30 June 2023 14:00 · Oliver O'Connell]

Wildfire smoke disrupts traditional summer camps

The Canadian wildfires that have shrouded much of the nation in smoky haze are making it much harder for American kids to enjoy one of the staples of summer camp: fresh country air.

As a result, many camps in the Midwest and the East have been moving activities indoors, seeking advice from medical professionals and hoping the air quality improves soon so campers can get back to hiking, playing tetherball and waging games of capture the flag.

Read more...