Overview

• Smoke from prairie fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has triggered air quality alerts across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut and Ontario under high-pressure, low-wind conditions
• Chicago recorded the world’s worst air quality on Thursday according to IQAir, while Toronto ranked second globally and other major cities like Minneapolis and Detroit appeared in top pollution listings
• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Wisconsin DNR, U.S. EPA and Environment Canada have all advised sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion and wear NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirators
• Meteorologists forecast that shifting winds over the weekend will help disperse smoke, but current stagnant conditions are expected to keep AQI readings in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range
• Officials recommend sealing homes, running high-efficiency HVAC filters or portable air cleaners and avoiding indoor activities such as burning candles or wood fires that worsen air quality