Iowa is under an air quality alert, along with other states in the Midwest, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
A layer of haze has fell over Iowa impacting visibility and air quality around the state on July 31. Earlier in the month, Iowan saw hazy skies which actually turned out to be fog. This time around, it is smoke and it’s here to stay for the next few days.
How long is the air quality alert for in Iowa?
The air quality alert in Iowa is issued for the entire state until midnight Friday, Aug. 1, according to the National Weather Service.
During air quality alerts, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends people avoid long or intense outdoor activity.
Why is the air quality bad?
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is making its way down to Iowa.
While the level of smoke is not as intense in Iowa, it will still linger in the sky and hindering air quality.
Where is air quality worst in Iowa?
Clinton, Davenport, Des Moines and Iowa City are all experiencing unhealthy conditions for air quality.
Clinton had the worst conditions with an air quality index of 180 PM, as of 1:15 p.m. on Thursday. Air quality has declined throughout the day on Thursday in Iowa.
Other areas of the state like Emmetsburg and Lake Sugema are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to AirNow.
What does it mean when air quality is ‘unhealthy’?
When air quality conditions are considered unhealthy, it means everyone is impacted by the poor conditions.
Older demographics, children and people with lung diseases like asthma, experience the greatest risk to poor air quality. These sensitive groups should avoid prolonged activity outdoors when air quality levels are unhealthy, according to the EPA.
Those not considered sensitive to poor air quality should still limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
When will the air quality improve?
Iowa skies will remain smokey into the weekend, the National Weather Service told the Register. It will gradually decrease throughout the weekend, with a possibility of haze on Aug. 2.
Air quality should show improvement by Aug. 3.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
