Smoke from wildfires burning in the western United States and Canada has been carried by upper level winds across much of the country, and the smoke prompted an air quality alert for the city of Wichita.
The city reported an air quality index reading of 102 early in the morning, but it had dropped to 96 by midday. A rating more than 100 is considered to be unhealthy.
Senior citizens, children and people with chronic health issues are most likely to be affected by the air quality. They are encouraged to stay indoors and limit strenuous activity, and they are also urged to limit any time they spend outdoors.
The city issues air quality alerts during ozone season during the spring and summer, but city spokesperson Megan Lovely said the city is within federal limits on ozone.
