The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for all of Pennsylvania due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The drifting smoke has caused concerns about air quality throughout the Great Lakes region and parts of the central and eastern United States. Erie, Pennsylvania, is experiencing the worst air quality in the state, with levels at 196 as of Wednesday morning. Pittsburgh and Indiana County are also reporting unhealthy air quality levels. The DEP warns that conditions could worsen throughout the day, particularly in western Pennsylvania. The smoke is expected to impact air quality in Pennsylvania through Saturday, with some possible relief on Sunday. An atmospheric inversion is keeping the smoke-filled air closer to the surface and is preventing mixing with air from higher elevations. In West Virginia, the smoke has cast a haze and poor air quality across northern, western, and central parts of the state. Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis are also reporting very unhealthy or worse air quality due to the fires.

The air quality in the Midwest, particularly in parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, has worsened due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The smoke has resulted in orange to red air quality levels, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and everyone.

The duration of the smoky conditions depends on the low-level winds and the progression of the wildfires in Ontario and Quebec provinces in Canada. An air quality alert has been issued for several areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin until various times on Thursday.

In addition to the diminished air quality, the Midwest is also facing the possibility of severe weather. Thunderstorms have already developed in parts of northern Minnesota and central regions, and they are expected to move eastward into Tuesday night. More showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday, with a slight risk of severe weather including large hail and damaging winds in the Mississippi River area from the Twin Cities to Winona and La Crosse.

Fortunately, the air quality is expected to gradually improve, especially by Friday morning. As for the severe weather, the threat will persist into Wednesday evening, and there may be additional chances for showers and storms until Sunday morning.

Overall, residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor air quality alerts and stay informed about weather conditions to ensure their safety.