Canadian wildfire smoke is continuing to blanket northeast Ohio today (July 17), creating air quality conditions considered hazardous for everyone and forcing the cancellation of several major outdoor events.
A “Code Maroon” air quality advisory is in effect through midnight for Summit, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The National Weather Service says the designation means pollution levels are expected to be “extremely hazardous” for the general population. Canadian wildfire smoke will also reduce visibility, although conditions are expected to begin improving Friday night.
The dangerous air prompted officials with the 88th All-American Soap Box Derby to cancel all events scheduled for Friday at Derby Downs in Akron. That includes the National Super Kids Classic, along with alignment and wheel-selection activities for Saturday’s World Championship races…