Midwest sees world's worst air quality as wildfire smoke spreads

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing major cities across the U.S., obscuring iconic skylines and prompting air quality alerts. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa reports.

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SearchSearchFacebookTwitterEmailSMSBlue SkyWhatsappPrintRedditFlipboardPinterestLinkedinLatest StoriesWorld CupPoliticsU.S. NewsWorldBusinessSHOPPINGTiplineCultureSportsScienceHealthShoppingMidwest sees world's worst air quality as wildfire smoke spreadsJuly 16, 202602:00Iceberg lettuce eyed in parasite outbreak01:52Desperate effort to rescue families from floodwaters02:13Temporary housing money for L.A. fire victims running out03:29Dangerous waters sweep through West Hollywood 01:20Good News: Community comes together to buy new mobile home for couple after fire01:25Trump teleprompter operator betting allegations01:36Now PlayingMidwest sees world's worst air quality as wildfire smoke spreads02:00UP NEXTArgentina beats England to reach finals01:02Good News: High school football team surprises coach as he battles cancer01:13Terrifying video of train trapped in wildfire02:01Trump reverses DHS order for ICE officers00:59New video shows deadly boat sinking near Alcatraz01:42Tornado hits Texas during rush hour02:03New audio from Nolan Wells case02:05Trump’s pick for Attorney General grilled in hearing02:16'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot’s Alzheimer's diagnosis01:24At least 1 dead, 2 missing after boat capsizes in San Francisco Bay00:44Suspects arrested in connection with Texas swimmer’s death01:40Dangerous floods prompt rescues in Texas01:46Parasite outbreak spreads across U.S.02:00Nightly NewsMidwest sees world's worst air quality as wildfire smoke spreads02:00CopiedSmoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing major cities across the U.S., obscuring iconic skylines and prompting air quality alerts. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa reports.July 16, 2026

onUP NEXTIceberg lettuce eyed in parasite outbreak01:52Desperate effort to rescue families from floodwaters02:13Temporary housing money for L.A. fire victims running out03:29Dangerous waters sweep through West Hollywood 01:20Good News: Community comes together to buy new mobile home for couple after fire01:25Trump teleprompter operator betting allegations01:36Get more newsLiveonBest of NBC News