Iowa sees impaired air quality from wildfires. Where is it the worst in the state?
It's wildfire season and air quality in Iowa, along with the northern part of the country, is taking a hit as the first major burn of the year sweeps Canada.
Last year, Iowa skies repeatedly became hazy with wildfire smoke from Canada. So far Minnesota and Wisconsin have some of the worst air quality conditions in the country due to the wildfires.
Where are the Canadian wildfires?
Residents in northeastern British Columbia were ordered to evacuate due to wildfires. On Saturday, 3,200 people living in northeastern British Columbia were under an evacuation order, Reuters reported, as fires charred over 24,710 acres.
There are more than 100 active wildfires burning in Canada and six are considered out of control, according to USA TODAY.
Where was the air quality worst in Iowa?
While air quality levels aren't as poor as at the start of the week, more of Iowa's air is impaired by the wildfire smoke on Wednesday.
The only areas of the state with "good" air quality are the southwestern and eastern edges of Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Northern, central and southern Iowa all downgraded to moderate air quality conditions Wednesday.
Areas of north central Iowa had unhealthy air quality levels on Monday, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Emmetsburg had some of the poorest air quality in Iowa on Monday with an air quality index of 153. Emmetsburg is just into the unhealthy rating which ranges from 151 to 200.
Emmetsburg has since returned to good air quality as the smoke has shifted south.
On Tuesday, areas of south central Iowa had the worst air quality in Iowa.
What is the Des Moines air quality index?
Air quality in Des Moines has improved since Tuesday, but the city's skyline was covered with a haze of smoke Wednesday morning. The air quality index was 52 early in the day. This is considered moderate conditions and an acceptable air quality index, according to AirNow.
Des Moines was among the places in Iowa with the worst air quality conditions on Tuesday, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. However, conditions weren't as poor as Emmetsburg experienced on Monday.
The air quality index in Des Moines on Tuesday morning was 103. This means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Who should be most concerned about poor air quality?
An unhealthy air quality index may affect members of sensitive groups including people who are elderly or who have pre-existing conditions including asthma, choric bronchitis and emphysema, according to AirNow. People doing intense outdoor activities are also at risk. Poor air quality can cause and worsen lung diseases, according to the CDC.
Immediate effects include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, headaches, stringing eyes and chest pain
How does this year's air quality compare to 2023?
At the end of May last year, Des Moines was under an air quality advisory. The air quality index was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. These levels left a haze over the Des Moines skyline. In June 2023, the wildfire smoke from Canada returned and reached an unhealthy air quality index of 172. People were recommended to wear a mask if they were outside for prolonged periods. Iowa has yet to meet these levels or warn of an air quality advisory.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why is it hazy? Poor air quality in Iowa from Canadian wildfire smoke
