According to data from The New York Times, the United States has been suffering with very poor air quality for two weeks now. Wildfires in California, Oregon, and Canada, have all contributed to a grayish haze blanketing much of North America. Due to the poor air quality, travel to outdoor locations may be less than optimal, especially for those with pulmonary conditions and concerns.
Sadly, this has caused many national parks to be obscured. Whether that is the vistas of the Grand Canyon or the views of the Great Smoky Mountains, visitors across the entire continent are finding that visibility is greatly reduced. The smoke is so bad that health advisories have been issued for cities in the Northeast.
Image Provided by NASA
This is not the first time major forest fires from the American West have affected the lungs of the rest of the country. Just last year, fire and smoke was so bad around the Los Angeles metro area that the sky glowed red in the evenings. Forestry maintenance in states like California have not been adjusted, however, to mirror the caretaking seen in other parts of the country. With a lack of change in forest management, and a severe drought for parts of the Western United States, the country is now stuck with air pollution that dwarfs other sources around the nation.
It is recommended that travelers check the air quality reports in the areas they wish to visit during the second half of summer until the fires are extinguished or better controlled. Those with respiratory issues should consult a doctor before engaging in vigorous outdoor activities.
