Wildfire Smoke Continues to Affect Air Quality in Parts of U.S.

Why it matters locally: While not directly impacted by the current smoke plumes from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires, North Carolina has experienced similar air quality concerns in the past from distant wildfires and could be affected by future widespread smoke events, prompting residents to monitor air quality alerts.

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Smoke from active wildfires in Canada and Minnesota blanketed portions of the United States on Thursday. This smoke resulted in orange skies and reduced visibility in affected areas. Forecasters project that hazardous air quality conditions will persist. Fires in both Canada and Minnesota have generated the widespread smoke. The smoke plume has extended across various U.S. regions. Air quality monitoring agencies have issued alerts as a result of the atmospheric conditions.