Wildfire Smoke Shifts Direction, Impacts Midwest Air Quality

Why it matters locally: The westward shift of wildfire smoke into the Midwest means air quality in many parts of Kansas could be affected, potentially leading to advisories issued by local health agencies.

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Air quality in the Northeastern United States has improved as wildfire smoke, originating from Canada and Minnesota, moved westward. Visibility decreased in areas of the Midwest, and an orangish haze appeared. Former President Donald Trump called for an explanation from Canada regarding the wildfires. The smoke plume, pictured affecting the Washington, D.C. skyline on July 17, 2026, reduced visibility and created a colored haze over landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial. Finn Gomez/Getty Images provided the image credit.