Canadian wildfire smoke expected to impact Rhode Island air quality throughout the day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island is expected to experience poor air quality throughout the day Monday due to Canadian wildfire smoke, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

According to RIDEM, heavy smoke from the fires will move into the region Monday resulting in poor air quality, reduced visibility and the smell of smoke.

Fine particle readings from the smoke will increase to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.

These Air Quality Index readings are expected to begin in the early afternoon and will last throughout the remainder of the day.

People with asthma or lung and heart conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity, and may benefit from wearing a properly-fitted N95 mask outside.

Setting your vehicle’s air system to “recirculate” may also help abate effects of the poor air quality.