Overview

• The milky-gray haze settling over Southern Germany and neighboring countries comes from Canadian forest fires, including underground “zombie fires” from last year, that have sent smoke more than 5,000 kilometers away.
• The smoke blanket has lowered visibility across Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, parts of France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy even under otherwise clear skies.
• Air quality stations registered a surge in fine particulate matter, putting Munich briefly at the top of global pollution rankings with PM10 levels nearing 95 µg/m3 before easing by Wednesday morning.
• Scientists and health officials warn that inhaling these fine particles can inflame respiratory passages and increase risks of heart attacks and strokes.
• Forecasters say that weekend rainfall should wash out the airborne soot, but they caution that favorable Atlantic wind patterns could deliver fresh plumes until the wildfires are brought under control.