SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is blanketing Western Massachusetts, driving down air quality levels and prompting local doctors to warn residents to limit time outdoors.

What may appear to be cloudy skies is actually smoke drifting in from the northwest, according to Western Mass News First Alert Meteorologist Stephen Sullivan. The surface smoke is currently affecting upper elevations, but Sullivan said particulate matter is expected to drift down toward ground level.

“At first, it’s in the upper elevations. That’s why we’re seeing it at a higher altitude,” Sullivan explained. “But what will eventually happen is those particulate matters will eventually drift down towards the surface.”

Sullivan said conditions could reach dangerous levels as soon as Thursday - a scenario similar to one two years ago, when skies across the Northeast turned a Mars-colored orange due to poor air quality.

Dr. John Kelley, a pediatrician at Redwood Pediatrics, said breathing the smoke-filled air poses risks even for otherwise healthy individuals.

“Even for healthy people that have no problems, like a 27-year-old who wants to go out for a run - a 5K or a 10-mile runner - this would not be a good day to choose to do that,” Kelley said.

Breathing in this type of air can trigger asthma or COPD symptoms, including shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, and bronchospasms.

Sullivan said special attention should be paid to the most vulnerable.

“You want to take care of the elderly and those who are vulnerable, and we need to do everything we can to help those vulnerable groups,” Sullivan noted.

Kelley said residents with pre-existing conditions should wear an N95 mask before going outside. “It blocks you from inhaling those small particulates,” he added. “An N95 will stop viruses, which is much smaller than the smoke particulates, which are going to be in the air.”

If breathing becomes uncomfortable outdoors, Kelley advised returning inside immediately to a space with recirculating air conditioning.

“I certainly think if you go outside and you have any issues with how you’re breathing, if it’s not really comfortable, it’s a good idea to get back inside with recirculating air conditioning,” Kelley said.

Kelley also advised parents and day camps to keep children indoors with air conditioning as conditions continue to deteriorate.

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