Millions of people across the Eastern United States faced unhealthy air quality levels due to raging fires burning in Canada. As of this afternoon, 150 fires are ablaze in Quebec, contributing to low level smoke across a good chunk of the Northeast. These smoky conditions triggered Air Quality Alerts across the region.

''With all the smoke that is being produced from the wildfires from Quebec and all that smoke being directed our way, we have gotten into the unhealthy category for all ages and people,'' said Mark Pellerito- Emergency Warning Coordination Meteorologist at National Weather Service Binghamton. 

Air quality levels are broken up into several categories- good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy for all groups, very unhealthy and hazardous. Air quality is 'Unhealthy for All Groups' across the Twin Tiers today. This means that some persons in the general public may experience health effects , while sensitive groups may experience more severe health effects.

'' We will have a boundary come through this evening that will push some of the lower level smoke out and redirect it further west. However, it kicks right back in tomorrow. The air quality looking ahead is not looking great,'' said Mark Pellerito. 

With persistent northerly flow in place through Friday, rounds of wild fire smoke likely to impact our area.  Another intense plume of smoke is expected to plunge southwards into our region on Wednesday.  However, significant improvement expected this weekend.  This means that Air Quality Alerts likely to be reissued for Wednesday. 

''The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for issuing Air Quality Alerts, but the National Weather Service spreads the information, '' said Mark Pellerito. 

The same weather pattern that brought dry conditions and wild fires in Quebec, contributed to lack of rainfall across our area during the last month. With little rainfall in the forecast through next Tuesday, drought conditions are growing across the Twin Tiers and brush fires can easily happen. Actually, the Northern Tier was placed under a Red Flag Warning today, due to the conditions being conducive for Fire Weather.

'' The US Drought Monitor has us under a abnormally dry conditions with the expectation  that a drought is developing. We had near record low amounts of rainfall in May, which is concerning. When you fall behind with rainfall in May, you are playing catch up for the rest of the summer. Summer rains are dependent on thunderstorms are usually scattered and not widespread, said Mr. Pellerito.

With the air quality set remain unhealthy for the next few days, persons should take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming ill- limit time outside and avoid strenuous activity .