Canadian wildfires send smoke into NE, could continue into summer

NEBRASKA — Nebraskans may have noticed a hazy Monday and Tuesday due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.

That haze could have a negative effect on your health and impact your time outside.

“If you’re working outside for a long time and you already got asthma or something similar, those small particulates of smoke can have an effect on you," National Weather Service in Omaha meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch said.

With a storm system in the southeast part of the US, Barjenbruch said the smoke brought in from the wildfires keep it close to the ground…and that can cause health problems.

Throughout Monday and into Tuesday, an air quality advisory was issued for eastern Nebraska and in six midwest states.

Experts with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said reducing physical activity outdoors, taking plenty of breaks, and watching for symptoms are all ways to combat the poor air quality.

With an ongoing drought in Canada and multiple fires burning, Barjenbruch said until significant moisture falls, the fires could burn into the summer.

“This does seem a bit early," Barjenbruch said. "Where these fires are burning, there are many fires in northern Canada right now and a lot of it is tied to drought.”

In a press release, Public Safety Canada said drought conditions are expected to continue throughout May.

This is the second year in a row wildfires have impacted air quality in the state.