Wildfire smoke impacts air quality in US: What NASA satellite images show for Alabama

Wildfire smoke impacts air quality in US: What NASA satellite images show for Alabama

NASA satellite images show just how far smoke from Canadian wildfires has reached, even as air quality has dropped to unhealthy levels along the east coast with flights delayed due to smoke.

In a tweet, NASA said the smoke is resulting in a hazy sky as far south as Alabama.

“Worldview shows wildfire smoke from Canada being transported as far south as Alabama today. This smoke is causing poor air quality across the eastern third of the U.S. today,” NASA said in a tweet.

Air quality tracker Airnow.gov shows unhealthy air quality levels as far north as New York stretching along the coast to Richmond, Virginia. Air quality in Alabama for the northern two-thirds of the state is listed as moderate and people who are unusually sensitive to air quality issues are advised to reduce outdoor activity and go inside if they show symptoms.

Heavy gray smoke from intense wildfires burning in eastern Canada continues to push into the U.S. with microscopic particles turning the air unhealthy and triggering air quality alerts in parts of the U.S. Poor air quality can cause adverse health effects for everyone, especially those with asthma or other respiratory issues.

Air quality alerts are currently in place for 16 states. Forecasters predict the poor air quality will continue for several days.

READ MORE: Canada wildfire smoke creeping into Alabama, National Weather Service says

You can look up the air quality where you live here.

Flights delayed

On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration delayed some incoming flights at several major U.S. airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

The FAA cautioned more delays could be announced in the coming days.