Canadian wildfire smoke blankets multiple U.S. states and Toronto as heat compounds hazards

Smoke from dozens of out-of-control Canadian wildfires is drifting across several U.S. states and into Toronto, creating hazy skies and raising air quality concerns amid a punishing heat wave. The National Weather Service and local forecasters have warned that conditions could worsen in the coming days as the smoke settles closer to ground level.

"Dozens of wildfires are out of control in Canada."

syracuseHazy smoke moves into Upstate NY from Canada wildfires: It could be worse Wednesday

That assessment from syracuse underscores the scale of the fires driving the smoke. New Jersey 101.5 described the situation as a "dangerous combo" of near-100-degree temperatures and Canadian smoke. Weather forecasters, according to nj.com, expect the smoke to create hazy skies on Tuesday but worsen on Wednesday during the latest blast of extreme heat.

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njWildfire smoke from Canada drifting over N.J., could get down to ground as extreme heat returnsNew Jersey 101.5Dangerous combo: NJ faces 100 degrees and Canadian smoke

In the Midwest, FOX 32 Chicago reported that winds turning to the northeast Wednesday night into Thursday will open the door for smoke and haze from those wildfires to move into the Chicago area. The latest forecast guidance suggests the smoke could be especially thick across northern Illinois, including downtown Chicago. While the smoke may keep temperatures slightly lower than otherwise, highs are still expected to reach the lower 90s.

FOX 32 ChicagoWildfire smoke could bring hazy skies to Chicago this week: Here's the timeline

On the East Coast, Spectrum News 1 noted that smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing air quality concerns in New York state this week. Newsday quoted the National Weather Service as warning that Long Islanders will see another day of smoky, humid, hot and hazardous air. Meanwhile, cinaradio.com reported that Toronto's air quality ranked among the world's worst as the city endures both wildfire smoke and extreme heat warnings. The overlapping crises are putting millions at risk across a wide geographic area, with authorities urging residents to limit outdoor exposure.

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Spectrum News 1Hazy, smoky skies impacting New York state this weekNewsdayCanadian wildfire smoke, high heat, to blanket Long Island Thursdaycinaradio.comToronto air quality among world’s worst as wildfire smoke, extreme heat warnings persist

"Long Islanders will see another day of smoky, humid, hot and hazardous air."

The combination of smoke and heat is expected to persist through the week, with the worst air quality likely on Thursday as the smoke becomes more concentrated near the ground. Officials recommend checking local air quality indexes and staying indoors when possible.