Smoke in Wichita has caused air quality to worsen. Here’s why, how long it could last

A northeast and east wind is bringing in smoke from wildfires in Canada, making the air quality in Wichita and other parts of Kansas “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” officials said.

The smoke can be seen across Wichita.

The concern for the unhealthy air will persist for Friday and likely Saturday in central and eastern Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Friday morning.

Until Friday, the air quality index in Wichita hit its highest of 51 on Wednesday. Zero to 50 is considered good and 51-100 is moderate. It The reading at 10 a.m. Friday was 137, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. In the range from 101-150, the EPA says: “Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.”

The next range, 151-200 is considered unhealthy. The last category is 301 and higher.

The KDHE recommends the following at the current levels:

1. Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise; more vulnerable people should remain indoors. 2. Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters. 3. Stay hydrated 4. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

You can check the air quality near you by going to airnow.gov.