Što treba znati o šumskim požarima u Kanadi i SAD-u i njihovom utjecaju

Wildfires raging in Canada and northern Minnesota have generated dense smoke that is spreading across the Midwest and Northeast United States, endangering the health of millions. The smoke, laden with harmful particulates, is expected to blanket large portions of the region, creating hazardous air quality conditions. As of July 15, 2026, authorities have issued warnings urging residents to remain indoors or take protective measures when venturing outside. The smoke originated from multiple large wildfires, fueled by severe drought and record-breaking heat. These conditions, exacerbated by rising temperatures linked to fossil fuel emissions, have created an environment ripe for uncontrolled blazes. According to Dan Westervelt, an associate professor at Columbia University's Climate School, the combination of extreme heat and dry vegetation has led to a "perfect storm" for intensified and more frequent wildfires. His analysis highlights the growing concern that climate change is directly influencing the severity and frequency of such events. Meteorologists predict that the smoke will intensify over the coming days, affecting areas from the Great Lakes to the East Coast. On July 15, officials in Minnesota issued an air quality alert spanning Tuesday through Friday, warning of very heavy smoke in the Twin Cities metro area, Alexandria, and Two Harbors. In particular, the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage and surrounding regions faced hazardous air quality levels, posing a serious risk to public health. Tyler Hasenstein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minnesota, emphasized the need for people to minimize outdoor activity, particularly during peak smoke hours. In response to the deteriorating air quality, officials in Michigan and Wisconsin issued similar advisories, cautioning that fine particulate matter from the smoke could pose risks to individuals with preexisting health conditions. Residents in parts of Maine began noticing a distinct yellowish and brownish tint in the sky, indicating the presence of heavy smoke. The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, warned that hazy conditions would persist until a cold front pushed through, potentially delaying clearer skies for several days. As the smoke spreads eastward, its impact becomes increasingly pronounced. By Wednesday afternoon, intense smoke was anticipated to reach the East Coast, including the New England coast, northern Pennsylvania, and major urban centers such as Detroit and Milwaukee. Multiple counties in western and central New York were placed under an air quality advisory, with the most concentrated smoke projected to reach Washington, D.C. by midday on Thursday. The National Weather Service in Detroit, under the guidance of meteorologist Steven Freitag, explained that a high-pressure system had trapped the smoke near the surface, preventing dispersion and worsening air quality. Health experts warn that the microscopic pollutants in the smoke, particularly PM2.5 particles, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of acute and chronic health complications. These include respiratory distress, cardiovascular strain, and heightened susceptibility to infections. Long-term exposure has been associated with a rise in mortality rates, with studies showing an annual toll of approximately 24,100 deaths in the contiguous United States due to prolonged inhalation of wildfire smoke. Public health officials recommend limiting outdoor exertion, using N95 masks when necessary, and maintaining clean indoor air through filtration systems or air conditioners. In New York City, the smoke has created a visible haze that obscures iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. City officials have taken proactive steps to mitigate the health risks, opening cooling centers and canceling outdoor events. Masks have been distributed at transit hubs, and schools and recreational facilities have shifted activities indoors. Gwen Moseley, a local resident, expressed her concerns about the ongoing exposure, emphasizing the importance of protecting oneself against the invisible dangers posed by the smoke.