Lincoln, Neb. – Wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada is expected to degrade air quality across central and eastern Nebraska beginning early Thursday, prompting a health alert through midday Friday. Residents in Grand Island, Lincoln, and surrounding areas may see hazy skies and feel the effects of elevated pollution levels.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), an Air Quality Alert will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday, June 5, through noon on Friday, June 6. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels due to high concentrations of PM2.5 particulates.
Communities impacted include York, Hastings, Kearney, Columbus, Norfolk, and much of the I-80 corridor. Sensitive individuals—such as older adults, young children, people with asthma or heart conditions, and outdoor workers—are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity and avoid heavy exertion.
Smoke monitoring stations in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island continue to track real-time conditions. If winds shift or smoke thickens, alerts may be extended.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors with filtered air, limit outdoor exercise, and follow local agency updates. Warnings remain in effect through at least noon Friday.
