Wildfire Smoke Shifts Direction, Impacts Midwest Air Quality

Why it matters locally: Connecticut's air quality has seen an improvement as the wildfire smoke mass previously affecting the Northeastern United States has moved westward.

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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.