Air Quality concerns in Nebraska from wildfires
Wildfires from western U.S. and Canada are sending smoke our way
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is warning about potential impacts on air quality through August 1. They predict this will impact statewide and may possibly intermittently expose Nebraskans to red category air quality in certain areas.
The air quality is being affected by wildfires in Canada and western America. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is monitoring wind direction and smoke levels to see when impacts to the air quality in Nebraska may occur.
Smoke from wildfires as seen from Brookings, SD, as Joy Wenn drove up from Lincoln.
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DHEE says sensitive groups should consider avoiding staying outside for extended periods of time. As of 1 pm Saturday, the air quality was at 128, solidly in the orange category which means “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”. If conditions rise to the red category, sensitive groups either stay inside and reschedule outdoor activities indoors and must avoid heavy work outside. All others should reduce their prolonged or heavy exertion and take more breaks during outdoor activities.
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The National Weather Service provides the data that these advisories are based on.
You can sign up for automatic air quality text or email notifications or check online for hourly updates on air quality across Nebraska.
Channel 8 will be following the air quality and keeping you up to date on social media and in our shows.
