Canadian Wildfires Bring Unhealthy Air to US Neighbors: What You Need to Know
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A severe air quality crisis is unfolding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota due to Canadian wildfires. The thick smoke is drifting into these US states, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow platform, which tracks air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI), some areas in South Dakota, including the Badlands National Park, have reached the "Unhealthy" range, with an AQI of 167. This level is categorized between 151 and 200. In South Dakota, regions such as Bennet, Oglala Lakota, Meade, Pennington, and Jackson have been issued "Moderate" air quality advisories, with AQI readings in the low 50s. In contrast, Nebraska's Douglas County, which includes Omaha and Carter Lake, has been placed under a "Moderate" air quality advisory, with overnight AQI readings between 52 and 56. Minnesota's central, east-central, northwestern, and south-central regions, including cities like Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park, have been issued "Moderate" air quality alerts. However, parts of the Northern Twin Cities Metro area have seen conditions worsen, prompting an "Unhealthy" warning for sensitive groups. AirNow advises residents in areas with "Unhealthy" air quality to opt for less strenuous activities or limit their time outdoors. For regions under a "Moderate" warning, the agency recommends that individuals who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution should consider reducing their activity levels or shorten the time they spend outside.
