Wildfire smoke live tracker: Smoke plume forecast maps, air quality readings and more
Hundreds of wildfires burning across the western U.S. and Canada are spewing dense smoke that is being carried hundreds to thousands of miles through the Plains and Midwest, into the Northeast.
Wildfires ravaging the western U.S. and Canada are releasing immense amounts of smoke that is spreading far and wide, reaching as far as the Plains, Midwest, and even the Northeast. The consequences range from hazy skies to degraded air quality, impacting the lives of people across these regions.
To understand the air quality levels, we use the Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500 and is color-coded to indicate different levels of health concerns. The lower the number, the better the air quality, while higher numbers signal worsening conditions. Maroon and purple colors on the map indicate hazardous and very unhealthy air quality, respectively, requiring people to stay indoors to minimize exposure.
Currently, the top five cities with the worst air quality readings are:
1. Fresno, California
2. Bakersfield, California
3. Phoenix, Arizona
4. Visalia, California
5. Denver, Colorado
(Note: This information is based on the provided graphics and may not be the most recent data.)
Air quality alerts are in place in various regions, and specific details can be found on the National Weather Service's warnings and advisory page. Stay informed and take necessary precautions based on the alerts in your area.
Smoke forecasts predict the movement of smoke across different regions in the coming days. Computer projections show the expected path of smoke, helping people anticipate potential air quality issues. These forecasts cover various regions, including the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Southern Plains, Northeast, Southeast, and Florida.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a valuable tool that provides an easy-to-understand daily report on air quality and alerts people to dangerous levels of air pollution. It was introduced in 1999 and has undergone updates to ensure people can make informed decisions about their health and outdoor activities.
With the wildfires continuing to rage across the West, the impact on air quality will persist, and smoke will continue to affect regions far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fires.
The ongoing wildfires have led to nearly 90 fires burning across the West, scorching vast areas and requiring the efforts of thousands of firefighters to battle the blazes. One such fire in Southern California, sparked by fireworks, has already destroyed over a dozen homes, highlighting the devastating impact of these fires on communities and the environment.