Smoke and Dust Haze Eastern US, Air Quality Suffers

The eastern United States is experiencing a combination of smoke and dust, leading to reduced visibility and unhealthy air quality. Smoke originating from ongoing wildfires in Canada is drifting south, while dust from the Sahara Desert is being carried across the Atlantic Ocean by prevailing winds. The convergence of these two phenomena is creating a hazy atmosphere and affecting air quality in major cities along the East Coast, from New York City to Miami.

Air quality alerts have been issued in several states, urging residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Children and the elderly are also considered more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. Health officials recommend staying indoors, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers if available.

The Canadian wildfires have been burning for several weeks, releasing large amounts of smoke into the atmosphere. The Saharan dust plume is an annual occurrence, but its intensity can vary depending on weather patterns. Experts are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on air quality conditions. The duration of the haze and its impact on air quality will depend on the intensity of the wildfires and the movement of the Saharan dust plume.