(Washington, DC) — Thick smoke from the Canadian wildfires is settling over parts of the eastern U.S. Dozens of wildfires are raging out of control in Canada, in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Smoke from the wildfires drifted into the U.S. on Friday, blanketing the Midwest and reducing air quality in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The smoke is expected to drift further south today, into Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, and could reach the East Coast and the Deep South this weekend.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) will be issuing an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecasted to settle. The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices.
The alert will be in effect starting on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, June 1, 2025, or until conditions improve.
Elderly citizens, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems are the most susceptible to the smoke. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
