Heatwave on the Southern Border and Canadian Smoke Poison the Air in Northern U.S.

Heatwave on the southern border

Wildfires spread in California

Canadian smoke affects US

The United States is facing a dual climate threat this week: extreme heat along the Mexican border and wildfires degrading air quality in the northern part of the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for dangerously high temperatures in the Southwest and poor air quality in the Northeast.

“The combination of heat, dry weather, and strong winds is creating critical fire conditions in several regions of the West,” the agency warned in its latest bulletin.

From the Four Corners region to the Rocky Mountains, several consecutive days of extreme weather are expected, increasing the risk of wildfires, reported EFE.

Arizona and California in Critical Condition Due to Heat Alerts and Wildfires

Heatwave on the Southern Border – Photo: Shutterstock

Heat alerts cover all of Southern California, New Mexico, Texas, and especially Arizona, where temperatures are expected to exceed 110°F (43°C).

“The most intense heat will be felt in central and southern Arizona,” the NWS official report stated.

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In Southern California, a wildfire that began on Friday has already left at least three people injured and hundreds of homes under threat.

Four separate fires merged into a single large-scale blaze in Los Padres National Forest—the second largest of the year.

Over 700 Wildfires in Canada Worsen US Air Quality

The US Forest Service reported that the emergency remains active in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

The situation is especially critical as it coincides with the arrival of another weather front from the north. While the South burns, the northern US is suffering from the effects of smoke coming from over 700 active wildfires in Canada.

“Smoke from Canadian wildfires has triggered air quality alerts across much of the Northeast,” the NWS reported.

States such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine have recorded high levels of air pollution since Sunday, according to Infobae.

Climate Change Intensifies the Risks

In many of these states, alerts have been issued for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with respiratory conditions and the elderly.

Canada is experiencing one of its most intense wildfire seasons in recent years, with nearly 200 blazes out of control—mainly in its western region.

US authorities warn that wind currents are carrying the smoke into the Upper Mississippi Valley, the Upper Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Northeast.

The phenomenon not only reduces road visibility but also poses a serious public health risk.

Air Quality Exceeds Healthy Limits

Fine particle levels in the air have surpassed healthy thresholds in several northern US cities.

In response, the NWS has issued recommendations to limit outdoor activities and avoid prolonged exposure.

While the Southwest battles drought and record heat, the North is dealing with toxic smoke blown in from out-of-control fires.

These extreme conditions are forcing authorities to coordinate large-scale responses and maintain constant climate monitoring, according to EFE and Infobae.