Canadian wildfire smoke lingers longer than expected in the eastern part of the United States, including East Tennessee.
As of Monday, June 2, 2025, the National Weather Service reported that cooler air flowing from the north was expected to carry elevated levels of wildfire smoke into the region and that the haze from the smoke could be noticeable in our area for 24 to 48 hours.
The forecast had called for winds to shift out of the south by last night. The shift would have helped push the smoke back north, improving air quality and visibility. However, the smoke has lingered into today.
Most areas in the smoke’s path, including Tennessee, are not facing dangerous conditions.
Since the particles are elevated in the atmosphere, their effects are limited to producing only radiant sunrises and sunsets along with a light daytime haze.
Although this recent smoke event is milder in our area, northern U.S. states and cities are experiencing more severe impacts. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported that more than 200 fires are burning in Canada, with over 100 of them considered out of control.
The National Weather Service has issued Air Quality Advisories for several northern states, including New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan are currently at the highest risk for unhealthy air quality, according to the Air Quality Index, which is the federal standard for measuring air pollution levels.
Although air quality in Greeneville is not expected to become hazardous, individuals with respiratory issues should consider taking precautions and limiting outdoor activities.
