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Canadian wildfire smoke tanking air quality in the US
Three US cities rank in the top 5 for worst air quality in the world as of Thursday morning. Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to be a problem through at least Saturday across the northern U.S.
America is dominating for the worst air quality in the world as Canadian wildfire smoke moves into the upper tier of the country, causing smoky, hazy skies for millions
A recent wildfire outbreak across western Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota is sending thick plumes of smoke toward the Great Lakes and Northeast through Thursday
CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES A DOZEN STATES, SPREADING HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY, HAZY SKIES TO OVER 124M
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, 69 fires are burning out of control in Ontario, mostly in the western part of the province, north of Minnesota
As of Thursday morning, three cities in the U.S. ranked in the top five worst air quality in the world because of wildfire smoke
1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroitranked in first place across the whole world
As of 10 a.m. central on Thursday, Detroit reportedly had an air quality of 724, more than double the qualifying ranking for hazardous air
THESE MAJOR US CITIES ARE EXPECTED TO SEE THE WORST OF THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE
Hazardous air quality ranks 301 or higher, and has the potential to cause a health emergency and impact everyone, not just those sensitive
Air quality at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan on Thursday morning.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy extended an air quality alert for the entire state into Friday, warning of air quality ranging from very unhealthy to hazardous
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis took second place on the list
An air quality index of 289 was as of 11 a.m. central time
WATCH: DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOWS FREIGHT TRAIN, CREW CAUGHT IN CANADIAN WILDFIRES
“Very unhealthy” air quality is anything from 201 to 300, the second-highest reported index
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JULY 15: A general view of downtown as dense smoke effects visibility on July 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Stephen Maturen /
When a very unhealthy air quality is reported, outdoor activities should be limited
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert through 11 a.m. CT on Friday, warning that air quality is likely to reach hazardous levels
3. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago ranks third place, also with a very unhealthy air quality of 250
US LIKELY FACES INCREASING WILDFIRE RISKS AS AMERICANS BUILD IN FIRE-PRONE AREAS, STUDY FINDS
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for Thursday, warning people to limit time outside
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 16: An aerial shows smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing the city on July 16, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Air quality could reach a hazardous level as the day goes on. Toronto, Canada, ranked fourth place.
Conditions are likely to improve on Friday for many in the U.S., as the smoke pushes south and east
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Wildfire smoke is expected to linger across much of the region through Saturday before another cold front clears the smoke from the eastern U.S
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