Eastern Nebraska under air quality alert due to Canadian wildfire smoke

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a smoke advisory Wednesday.

Canadian smoke may impact air quality in eastern Nebraska from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, the health department said.

The smoke will impact areas like Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Columbus, Fairbury, Fremont and Wayne.

DHHS said the air quality index is expected to be yellow or orange.

During moderate (yellow) AQI conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may have some health effects.

Those who may be affected are advised to limit outdoor activities and watch for signs to take it easier, like coughing.

Orange means the air may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

That includes people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women and outdoor workers.

When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive people are advised to limit heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities.

The AQI is used nationally and is available in real-time for Nebraska at airnow.gov.