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How the Canadian wildfire smoke is impacting Northeast Ohio on Thursday

The smoky, hazy sky from the Canadian wildfires is sticking around on Thursday.

By: Courtney Shaw

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and last updated

The smoky, hazy sky from the Canadian wildfires is sticking around on Thursday. It won't be nearly as bad as it was in Cleveland on Wednesday but will be worse inland.

The wind overnight pushed the smoke south, so cities like Akron and Canton have a worse air quality level than Cleveland.

The levels in Cleveland have moved down from a "very unhealthy" rate to an "unhealthy" rate. Meanwhile, Canton has increased from "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy."

Cleveland's Air Quality Level was at 153 on Thursday morning, compared to the nearly 300 it was on Wednesday morning. Canton is over 250 and could rise even more.

Throughout the day, Cleveland could drop into the "slightly unhealthy" range. We're monitoring the reading closely and will continue to keep you updated.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency is still advising people to stay inside.

Down in Summit County, the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District has advised residents in the area to stay indoors as much as possible over the next 24 hours. The air quality in Akron is at 159, which is in the "unhealthy" range.

How to stay safe

Authorities in Summit County released the following tips to protect yourself from the smoke:
1. Pay attention to local air quality reports and watch for health warnings about smoke. Take extra precautions such as limiting outdoor activity, especially exercise.
2. Pay attention to air visibility guidelines.
3. As it is recommended, stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Seek shelter somewhere else if you do not have an air conditioner, and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.
4. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal to help protect vulnerable individuals.
5. Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles and fireplaces. Do not vacuum because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke tobacco or other products because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
6. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If your eyes, nose or throat are irritated, running a humidifier may provide some relief.
7. Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen.
8. Do not rely on dust masks for protection; these masks will not protect your lungs from smoke particles.
9. Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation. If conditions are considered unhealthy, avoid or limit your outdoor exposure time.
10. Those with asthma are encouraged to carefully follow your asthma action plan if you have one. Make sure you have enough medication for several days.

Health impacts

Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including: