Smoke from Canadian wildfires worsens air quality in the USA

• In the USA, a warning has been issued about the deterioration of air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
• Minneapolis and Chicago have become some of the most polluted cities in the world.
• Heavy rains in the southern states have led to flooding and evacuation.

Main Facts

As of August 2, 2025, over 700 wildfires are burning in Canada, of which 216 are considered "out of control." Smoke from these fires has led to deteriorating air quality in the Midwest states, particularly in Minnesota and Illinois.

In Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois, a warning has been issued regarding the deterioration of air quality. In Minnesota, particularly poor air quality indicators have been recorded in the areas surrounding Minneapolis, where the level of fine particulate matter PM 2.5 reached 134, making the city the third most polluted in the world.

In Chicago, the PM 2.5 level was 105, which also placed the city among the most polluted in the world for air quality. Authorities are advising people with chronic respiratory conditions to limit time spent outdoors.

Weather Situation

At the same time, in Southern California and other southern states in the USA, heavy rains are being observed, which have led to flooding. From August 1-4, additional precipitation is expected in the region, as well as potentially severe thunderstorms.

In states where wildfires are believed to occur, there is also a high risk of new fires igniting due to hot and dry weather. For example, the Monroe Canyon fire in Utah burned over 55,000 acres and is only 5% contained.

Conclusions

Overall, smoke from Canadian wildfires and weather conditions remain serious threats to air quality in many states across the USA. The situation requires urgent attention from local authorities and residents.

Tags: USA/Weather/Ecology