Smoke from over 700 Canadian wildfires blanketed parts of the Midwest and Northeast US on Sunday, pushing air quality to dangerous levels.
The smoke, driven by persistent wind patterns, affected states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of New England.
Minnesota issued its longest-ever statewide air quality alert, expected to last seven days. Officials warned that even healthy individuals could suffer symptoms like coughing or eye irritation. Sensitive groups may face severe risks, including asthma attacks or heart issues.
Air quality in cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis ranked among the worst in the US, according to IQAir.
Canada is enduring its second-worst wildfire season on record, with over 500 fires currently out of control.