MAINE, USA — Western Canadian wildfires are still burning, and smoke is back in the atmosphere for New England. These fires started back in the spring and will likely continue for a little while longer. Canadian wildfire season runs from May through October.
Most of the United States has gotten much worse smoke than this over the past few months. Think back to those hazy pictures we saw of New York City a couple months ago. Here in Maine, the jet stream is what's bringing us these issues.
The jet stream is currently in the right position over Western Canada and New England for these effects. It is carrying the smoke from those wildfires across the continent and giving us hazy skies.
This will continue Tuesday and into Wednesday as well. It will likely get to the point where all people should limit time outdoors, but that isn't the case right now.
These fires are only putting enough particulates into our atmosphere to affect certain Mainers.
The level of smoke is unhealthy for those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. This means those groups should limit their time outdoors Tuesday.
Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can include:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
When inside, it will also help to keep your windows closed and air conditioning on. You should also make sure you have an air filter and it is clean, so it can filter out the smoke particulates.
