CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 03: An aerial view shows smoke from Canadian wildfires dimming the downtown skyline on June 03, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. The smoke is causing air quality alerts in parts of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin and is visible in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Recently, the northeastern United States has faced unusually poor air quality for a prolonged period, a situation more commonly seen in global cities like Beijing and Delhi. This recurring issue has led to discussions about whether the region should prepare for a “smoke season,” similar to how other areas anticipate snow days or hurricane seasons.
According to experts, the Northeast should indeed prepare for such a season, though it will not be a nationwide occurrence. California and the Pacific Northwest, for example, have already adapted to wildfires as a year-round threat. In contrast, the northern Midwest and Northeast are starting to deal with worsening air quality issues linked to climate change. Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor at Stanford University, emphasizes that these widespread smoke events significantly contribute to pollution levels, affecting compliance with the Clean Air Act.
Diffenbaugh notes that these smoke events expose millions to harmful pollution, impacting air quality and health. He suggests that measures such as using air filters, ensuring proper ventilation in buildings and vehicles, sealing windows, and stocking up on face masks are crucial. He warns that as global warming progresses, these smoke events and their health impacts are likely to intensify.
However, this is not a uniform phenomenon across the United States. While California is preparing for wildfires throughout the year, the wildfires in Canada that affect the Northeast are more seasonal, due to colder weather preventing fires during winter. John G. Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard University, advises that the Northeast and northern Midwest should anticipate poorer air quality during summer months and make necessary adjustments to protect people indoors.
Allen has long advocated for using buildings to shield people from environmental threats and believes that improvements in filtration can be beneficial throughout the year. He points out that while other global regions face similar pollution levels, the causes vary, and he attributes the increasing frequency and intensity of such events to climate change.
NEW DELHI, INDIA – OCTOBER 29: A commuter walks near India Gate amid heavy smog pollution on October 29, 2025 in New Delhi, India. Delhi is once again blanketed by hazardous smog following the Diwali festival, as pollution levels spike to the “very poor” and “severe” categories, with air quality indexes far exceeding safe limits. The crisis, which is driven by firecracker use, emissions, and seasonal crop residue burning has prompted emergency measures like cloud seeding. (Photo by Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images)
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No season yet
Allen remarks that while the concept of a defined wildfire season is unclear, these events are occurring more frequently and widely. He stresses the importance of viewing buildings as tools to combat these challenges, highlighting the need for improved filtration systems, better air circulation, and quality window sealings to maintain cleaner indoor air.
He points out that many buildings fail to enhance their filtration systems, resulting in inadequate protection against high outdoor pollution levels. He suggests that adopting a seasonal approach could help people better prepare for managing health conditions, especially for those sensitive to poor air quality or extreme heat.
Dr. Chethan Sarabu, director of clinical innovation at Cornell Tech’s Health Tech Hub, mentions that while it is too early to confirm a seasonal pattern, recognizing it could benefit public health. He stresses the importance of addressing children’s health, advising asthma patients on outdoor precautions, and ensuring indoor safety.
Having lived in California during intense wildfire periods, Sarabu acknowledges the year-round threat there but notes that areas with winter snow are spared from fires for much of the year. He suggests considering seasonal preparations as warmer weather approaches, recognizing that wildfire smoke combined with pollution leads to poor air quality.
