Smoke from Canada wildfires delays flights at Logan Airport

The ongoing wildfires in Canada severely impact air quality across the Northeast and Upper Midwest.

Canada wildfires disrupt air travel at Logan Airport in Boston

Currently, hundreds of wildfires are burning across Canada, leading to a decline in air quality in several U.S. states. Boston's Logan International Airport reported delays due to low visibility caused by smoke. As of Monday, around 742 wildfires were active, with at least 201 out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. States such as Wisconsin and Maine are under air quality alerts, especially affecting sensitive groups like those with respiratory issues. The smoke also led to Detroit having some of the worst air quality globally. Heavy smoke is expected to linger through the week, prompting health advisories in various regions, urging residents to limit outdoor activities.

The current wildfire situation highlights the growing frequency of severe weather events attributed to climate change. Smoke from these fires impacts air quality far from the source, demonstrating the extensive reach of environmental issues. This situation not only affects air travel but also public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. As air quality deteriorates, the need for efficient communication from health officials may become increasingly critical to protect community wellbeing.

Highlights

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to address the wildfires and mitigate their effects on air quality.