Canada Wildfires 2026: Which Regions of US Will See Smoke and Haze?

Smoke from more than 830 wildfires burning across Canada is set to spread across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast this week, potentially affecting air quality for around 100 million Americans.

A thick haze from Canadian wildfires is set to drift across large parts of the United States over the coming days, putting air quality at risk for roughly 100 million Americans stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast.

As of Wednesday, more than 830 wildfires were actively burning across Canada. Some of the largest fires, located in west-central Ontario, have been sending heavy smoke plumes south across the border, according to ABC News.

Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are expected to see the thickest smoke on Wednesday. From there, conditions are forecast to push into New York state and New England around midday. By the evening, hazy skies and reduced air quality could reach major cities including New York City, Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Green Bay.

The situation looks more severe in parts of the Upper Midwest, where smoke concentrations are expected to peak. Officials say conditions there could become intense enough to produce what’s being described as “Mars-like” skies, a strong campfire odor, and air quality considered unhealthy for the general public, not just people with existing health conditions.

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