# How's the air you breathe today? Can you smell the smoke from the wildfires in Quebec? (June 2023) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 7, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158 "2023-06-07T17:21:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/141 "2023-06-28T19:03:33Z")
Just back from a business trip to Chicago. I was astonished how bad it was. First day there (last week) I could see the shore of Lake MI from my hotel room. Yesterday I could not. The shoreline was 1/3 mile from my hotel. When the convention closed and they opened the big doors to bring the trucks in and take the exhibits apart you could SEE the smoke coming into the convention center. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/142 "2023-06-28T19:46:04Z")
Yesterday’s air quality in Chicago was the worst on the planet. > **[Chicago’s air quality this morning is the world’s worst](https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicagos-air-quality-this-morning-is-the-worlds-worst/8eab5e0b-7d74-4ff2-a37a-b7bc1e4a2f46)** > > Conditions are expected to improve as the week progresses, according to the National Weather Service. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/143 "2023-06-28T19:50:11Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Last time we got smacked, I employed a [**20" box fan**](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Speed-Box-20-Inch/dp/B08XKC9K14) to which I taped a [**4" furnace filter**](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QL762O). It did a _really_ good job with our indoor air quality. Just wanted to say I implemented this when my local air quality went from red alert to purple (into the 210’s to 220’s range) and it really helped. I felt healthy this morning when I woke up, no headache, no pounding sinuses, no mucus, no shortness of breathe/wheezing. Thank you _so much_ for this! ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/144 "2023-06-28T20:50:17Z")
I was going to say that once again there’s no sign of smoke here in this part of southern Ontario, but then I opened the back patio door for some fresh air and there was definitely a distinct smell of smoke. So much so in fact that I closed it up again and am now running the furnace fan. And the weather site lists today’s forecast as “smoke” and there is a special air quality advisory. The acreage of burning forest is now the highest on record; not the most fires ever, but the most area burning due to some of the fires being very big. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/145 "2023-06-28T21:34:48Z")
We have come down a bit in philly. In the unhealthy zone now. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/146 "2023-06-28T23:51:08Z")
Wow, hard to believe my last post about smoke was just three hours ago. Since then, there’s been a major change in the weather – the winds have died down and seem to be coming from a different direction. The air quality statement remains in effect but in this immediate area the air is fresh and cool, and all the windows are open. There’s rain in the forecast and hopefully that will help with some of the fires. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/147 "2023-06-29T00:23:12Z")
I’ve got blue skies, moderate temps, and a light breeze. Weather Channel app on my phone says air quality is 2. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/148 "2023-06-29T00:33:04Z")
California’s getting a break this year, at least so far, air quality is good where I am. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/149 "2023-06-29T00:43:00Z")
I went to Montreal for the first time last weekend and on Friday it appeared clear, but my brother and I were too tired to climb mont Royal despite being fairly in shape so it is possible that the air quality was already high enough to affect us. On Saturday it was supposed to downpour and thankfully didn’t but the visible smoke came in. I went to habitat 67 on Sunday and the combination of the stark walls and light mistlike smoke made it seem like a 2000s video game that couldn’t afford long distance graphics. Then I visited Vermont and the smoke was supposed to miss it but it came nonetheless. Looked like it was clearing this morning though. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/150 "2023-06-29T00:58:24Z")
Sorry, eh? Hopefully the government will establish a seasonal national response team since this is unlikely to be a temporary problem. Given its mediocre treatment of volunteer firefighters, I ain’t holding my breath. Not yet. At the moment it’s bad enough here to make red sunsets but not to keep inside. [https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/28/us/canada-wildfires-air-quality-smoke](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/28/us/canada-wildfires-air-quality-smoke) ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/151 "2023-06-29T01:08:44Z")
> **[Dangerous plumes of smoke disrupting activity as air pollution pesters people...](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-wildfires-burning-in-ontario-and-quebec-send-smoke-south-triggering/)** > > Toronto had top spot in worst air quality Wednesday as wildfires trigger slew of disruptions ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/152 "2023-06-29T10:59:59Z")
Western Pennsylvania yesterday looked like the fires were right down the road. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/153 "2023-06-29T13:54:37Z")
We were running between around 115 and 150 most of yesterday; currently at 179, down a bit from 185 earlier this morning. Not great; but a whole lot better than last time, when we topped 400 for most of a day. I seem to be relatively resistant to at least short-term symptoms. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/154 "2023-06-29T14:30:41Z")
looking out the 29th floor windows today has me understanding the impressionist school of painting. it is looking monet out there. very soft and greyish. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/155 "2023-06-29T15:24:07Z")
174 where I am. Hoping this doesn’t go on for a week. I need to get some more N95 masks, I’m down to one and I had to repair it this morning. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/156 "2023-06-29T15:30:19Z")
Code Red (~170) here in Northern Virginia has prompted my employer to have everyone telework for the next couple of days. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/157 "2023-06-29T15:38:46Z")
180 here in Syracuse. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/158 "2023-06-29T15:39:27Z")
183 in philly. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/159 "2023-06-29T17:56:00Z")
> [@outlierrn](#): > > California’s getting a break this year, at least so far, air quality is good where I am. Yeah, so far, I haven’t had a day when I went out into the parking lot and it looks like there is a light dusting of snow, except the “snow” is grey/black. Right now, there are only 3 (small) [active fires](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents) in the state. [2023 Fire Season Incident Archive | CAL FIRE](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2023) For contrast, here is last year’s fire map: [2022 Fire Season Incident Archive | CAL FIRE](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022) ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/160 "2023-06-29T17:58:31Z")
We’re orange today. But I’m DIYing inside. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158.md?page=9)