Western Canada Wildfires: Smoke Reaches Kansas City Causing Unhealthy Air Quality

The wildfire smoke in western Canada brought unhealthy air quality in eastern Kansas and the KM Metro Area.

Residents should check the weather and air quality, especially for people with respiratory concerns.

The air quality is expected to improve this weekend. Recent alerts revealed poor air quality in eastern Kansas as Canada's wildfire smoke reached the area.

Improving air quality in Kansas City

According to the latest forecast, Kansas City's air quality improved. On September 8, the air became unhealthy in the region, especially for people sensitive to particle pollution.

The smoke from Canadian wildfires helped unleash the region's unhealthy air quality. People are also advised to limit possible outdoor activities.

On the weekend, the weather forecast showed that above-normal temperatures would unfold in Kansas City, reaching the upper 70s or mid-80s. People with travel plans should bring an umbrella for possible rounds of rain.

Thunderstorms and showers are expected to unload on Sunday night and early next week in Kansas City. However, light rainfall will only occur, helping improve the air quality.

Air Quality Alerts in the Phoenix Metro Area and Colorado

As of September 8, the National Weather Service issued an ozone-high pollution advisory in the following areas

• Phoenix Metro Area
• Maricopa County

NWS explained that ozone is considered an air contaminant resulting in breathing difficulty for the following sensitive groups:

• Older adults
• Children
• People with medical conditions

This weekend, people with medical conditions are advised to stay home to prevent possible adverse health effects.

The Colorado Department of Public Health issued an air quality health advisory from Friday until Saturday (9:00 a.m.). The advisory was due to the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge wildfires.

The air quality advisories are present in the following areas:

• Hinsdale
• Mineral and Archuleta Counties
• Lake City
• Creede
• Pagosa Springs

The advisory explained that the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge wildfires caused moderate to heavy smoke until Saturday morning in the said affected areas.

The health department in Colorado also advised residents to watch out for the air quality alerts in the region, especially for older people and children.

Furthermore, people with travel plans should reschedule their outdoor activities if they see thick smoke in their area.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported excessive heat warnings in Southern California and Southern Arizona this weekend. The hotter temperatures could likely result in heat-related health risks.

On Saturday, rainy conditions and chances of flash flooding could be likely in the following areas:

• Central Plains
• Texas
• Northern High Plains
• Southern Appalachian foothills

Also Read: Global Impact of Extreme Weather Events: Climate Change Can Intensify Frequent Hurricanes, Drought, Wildfires

Staying safe from poor air quality

According to the American Lung Association, people with outdoor activities could consider wearing N95 or KN95 masks, which effectively prevent particle pollution.

Furthermore, homeowners can consider closing their doors and windows at all times.

Related Article: Eastern Oregon Forest Restoration: Collaboration Efforts Bring Back Unique Biodiversity Amidst Fire Threat

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