Omaha Issues Air Quality Alert as Wildfire Smoke Increases

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An air quality alert has been issued for the Omaha area due to wildfire smoke drifting from Canada, affecting health conditions this weekend. The Douglas County Health Department warned that sensitive groups may face risks as haze fills the skies on Sunday.

The smoke has already begun to infiltrate eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, causing visibility problems and air quality issues. Wildfires burning in Canada have prompted health officials to monitor air conditions closely, especially for individuals with asthma, lung diseases, older adults, and young children.

As of Saturday morning, air quality readings remained in the ‘good’ range. However, with northerly winds pushing the smoke southward, levels are expected to fluctuate to ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ by Sunday.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those prone to respiratory problems. For protection, masks such as N-95 or P-100 are recommended for people sensitive to smoke.

The smoke is expected to linger through the weekend with the possibility of dense haze interrupting outdoor plans. Saturday’s temperatures are projected to reach the mid-80s, with a slight chance of rain in the forecast.

Forecasters predict more unseasonably warm temperatures, with highs nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit by Monday. The Douglas County Health Department will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.