The raging wildfires that have been burning in Western Canada have caused a significant amount of damage and have taken a toll on the air quality in Canada and parts of the United States. The thick smoke, which has been spreading rapidly, has now resulted in flight delays and cancellations in the northeast region of the US.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended flights in and out of New York City, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and the District of Columbia due to low visibility caused by the blanket of smoke. This has created massive disruptions in travel plans, causing anguish and frustration for passengers who have been left stranded and unable to fly. LaGuardia airport was hit particularly hard by the situation, with flights being paused entirely on Wednesday. At the same time, John F. Kennedy International Airport faced arrival and departure delays. As the situation continues to worsen, some airlines have urged their travelers to check their apps and websites to monitor for delays or other related problems.
The FAA has pledged to manage air traffic safely during this period. However, smoke can cause more disruption to flights than rain or fog, as it can disrupt aircraft navigation systems, which are less effective “through solid particles such as smoke and ash,” said Kevin Morris of the FAA. The FAA may limit the types of aircraft that are allowed to land during periods of low visibility and slow traffic. Smoke delays have become more prevalent as wildfires grow more severe due to climate change. According to experts, it is becoming crucial to counter wildfires and adapt to the effects of climate change to prevent such disasters from happening frequently in the future.
In addition to flight cancellations, several sporting events in the northeastern US have been postponed or canceled due to poor air quality caused by the wildfires. Two Major League Baseball games in New York and Philadelphia were postponed due to the poor air quality with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 413 in the Bronx and 233 in Philadelphia. Other events that were canceled include a W.N.B.A. game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Liberty in Brooklyn and a National Women’s Soccer League contest between the Orlando Pride and Gotham F.C. in Harrison, New Jersey. While some players were able to continue playing, others complained of symptoms such as coughs and chest soreness.
According to AccuWeather, smoke from wildfires in Canada is affecting air quality in over a dozen US states, including New York City, Washington DC, and Indianapolis. The haze is not likely to clear until the winds, which have been carrying the smoke, change or the fires are doused – possibly still weeks away. Some areas of the Northeast could see a slight improvement in air quality on Thursday. It may, however, take until Friday or even Saturday for significant changes. In some locations, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit, the smoke may become even denser.
The impact of smoke on human health has been widely noted. However, pets are also facing health issues due to the smoke, particularly short-muzzled breeds of dogs, such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, as well as birds and horses, said Dr. Aly Cohen with the Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center.
In conclusion, the wildfire smoke from Canada has not only resulted in significant damage to the environment but also disrupted human life in many ways. The FAA’s decision to cancel or delay flights in the region has caused chaos for travelers. Sporting events, which are a source of entertainment, have been postponed or canceled, causing massive losses to stakeholders. It is more important than ever to address the issue of climate change to prevent such disasters from occurring frequently.
