Wildfire smoke from Canada is blanketing the skies in the Midwest, leaving millions with dangerous breathing conditions.

Smoke from wildfires blazing across Canada is once again wafting over huge portions of the U.S. Midwest and worsening air quality there. On August 1 conditions are particularly bad in Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

Chicago air quality remains in the top five worst in the world Friday with an Air Quality Alert in place from Canadian wildfire smoke.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported Friday that air quality in Iowa will be at levels “unhealthy for sensitive groups” through Saturday, due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards advise that fine particulate matter should not exceed averages of 35 micrograms per cubic meter in a 24-hour period.

Dense Wildfire Smoke from Canadian Fires will continue to bring Unhealthy Air Quality to the Twin Cities and surrounding areas Today into Saturday morning then Southerly Winds Aloft will push the Smoke back north Saturday afternoon and Air Quality will be much improved Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

The smoke is expected to remain over the northern and central Plains of the United States for the next couple of days, according to meteorologists.

Air quality alerts remain in effect through this evening as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to settle across the area. While there may be some improvement near the surface this afternoon, it will still appear hazy for much of the day.

Meanwhile, the Midwest is getting blanketed in wildfire smoke from Canada, leaving millions under dangerous breathing conditions as more than 650 wildfires are burning in Canada, with 275 labeled as “out of control.