National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service (NWS), Reuters, The Express Tribune · 2026-07-18T14:41:08.000Z
Widespread wildfire smoke from active fires in Minnesota and Canada is causing poor and hazardous air quality from the Great Lakes region into New England and the Mid-Atlantic, prompting Air Quality Alerts. Detroit experienced some of the worst air quality globally. Firefighters are battling 68 large fires across 15 U.S. states, with 17 new incidents reported in the Pacific Northwest following lightning strikes.
National Weather Service / AirNow.gov · 2026-07-18T00:00:00.000Z
Significant wildfire smoke is leading to widespread Air Quality Alerts across a large portion of the Eastern US, extending from the Great Lakes region through New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions due to potentially hazardous air conditions. Separately, monsoon thunderstorms are also active in the Southwest.
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), AirNow, National Weather Service (NWS), Associated Press (AP) · 2026-07-18T00:00:00.000Z
Numerous large wildfires are burning across the United States and Canada, with the National Preparedness Level at 4. Smoke from these fires, including one that crossed into Minnesota from Canada, is causing widespread air quality alerts across the Great Lakes, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Conditions in the Pacific Northwest, marked by low snowpack and drought, are contributing to rapid fire growth.
Delaware Forecasts Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke
DNREC - Delaware.gov · 2026-07-18T00:00:00.000Z
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) forecasts a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Delaware on Saturday, July 18, 2026, due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Southwest winds will recirculate thick smoke, bringing hazy skies and elevated fine particulate levels, especially in the morning. Scattered thunderstorms later in the day are expected to help disperse the smoke.