Climate
Simultaneous wildfires, heatwave, and floods threaten millions across the US
July 15, 2026 at 08:43 PM
Canadian wildfire smoke, a heatwave, and severe flooding have converged, prompting evacuation orders and health warnings across multiple states.
- More than 830 wildfires burning in Canada and 12 in northern Minnesota have prompted mandatory evacuations and sent dense smoke toward the Great Lakes and Northeast, ABC News reported.
- Authorities issued unhealthy air quality warnings for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York, with smoke expected to reach New York City and Boston.
- A heatwave is pushing temperatures near 100°F in Washington and New York, with heat indices exceeding 104°F in several cities, according to ABC News.
- Flood warnings were raised to "extreme" levels in parts of western Texas after 6–16 inches of rain, and a tornado was spotted near San Antonio.