OHIO, USA — Smoke from wildfires in Canada could cause a hazy summer with poor air quality in Ohio.
In 2023, millions were impacted by the Canadian wildfires in June and July. The smoke from the fires made for unhealthy air quality conditions causing many to stay inside.
Smoke is becoming an issue again for many Ohioans as Canada is seeing another round of wildfires this year.
Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati are all reporting at a "moderate" for air quality alerts.
A dry and hot summer is expected this year. However, the exact impacts and frequency of the wildfire smoke is uncertain, but it will likely be an issue at least at some point again this Summer.
The Air Quality Index is a tool used to measure how bad the air pollution is.
In the past month, Toledo has reported less than ten days where the AQI has been at a moderate level. Several of the reports were just this week.
When the AQI gets to a moderate level, it is something to keep an eye on and minor sensitivity is possible.
Overall our local impact is expected to remain low, but with signs of a hot Summer and continued drought across large areas in Canada, it is likely that wildfire smoke will become a more frequent issue as the Summer season wears on.
If you start to have itchy eyes, fatigue, sore throat or have trouble breathing, go inside and contact a physician.
For more weather updates, follow the WTOL 11 weather team.
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