SmogRank / Episodes / United States
Eastern United States and Canada, May and June 2023
For 13 days, from 31 May to 12 June 2023, 261 cities in the United States and Canada had PM2.5 at least twice their usual for the time of year. The worst reading was Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States: 253.0 µg/m³ on 7 June, about 41× its usual 6.1.
Day by day
How it spread
Every city it reached
| City | Days | Highest | Above usual |
|---|---|---|---|
| BethlehemPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 253.07 June | 42× |
| KingstonOntario, Canada | 5 | 210.07 June | 40× |
| OttawaOntario, Canada | 3 | 208.07 June | 39× |
| AllentownPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 239.07 June | 37× |
| Rouyn-NorandaQuebec, Canada | 3 | 183.03 June | 37× |
| SyracuseNew York, United States | 3 | 181.07 June | 35× |
| ElktonMaryland, United States | 5 | 185.08 June | 33× |
| ScrantonPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 215.07 June | 31× |
| ReadingPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 204.07 June | 31× |
| BellevilleOntario, Canada | 6 | 155.07 June | 30× |
| NorristownPennsylvania, United States | 4 | 202.07 June | 30× |
| BearDelaware, United States | 5 | 181.08 June | 30× |
| ChesterPennsylvania, United States | 6 | 181.07 June | 29× |
| Toms RiverNew Jersey, United States | 2 | 186.07 June | 27× |
| PennsaukenNew Jersey, United States | 4 | 204.07 June | 27× |
| YorkPennsylvania, United States | 5 | 193.08 June | 27× |
| HarrisburgPennsylvania, United States | 4 | 195.08 June | 26× |
| WilmingtonDelaware, United States | 5 | 170.07 June | 26× |
| BridgeportConnecticut, United States | 6 | 165.07 June | 26× |
| CarlislePennsylvania, United States | 4 | 160.08 June | 25× |
| LancasterPennsylvania, United States | 4 | 172.08 June | 25× |
| LebanonPennsylvania, United States | 4 | 181.07 June | 25× |
| White PlainsNew York, United States | 3 | 120.07 June | 24× |
| New CityNew York, United States | 3 | 119.07 June | 24× |
| PleasantvilleNew Jersey, United States | 6 | 148.08 June | 23× |
| New York CityNew York, United States | 4 | 170.07 June | 23× |
| BayonneNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 113.07 June | 23× |
| HolbrookNew York, United States | 3 | 115.07 June | 23× |
| NewarkDelaware, United States | 5 | 148.58 June | 22× |
| TrentonNew Jersey, United States | 2 | 170.07 June | 22× |
| Rose HillVirginia, United States | 6 | 149.08 June | 22× |
| UticaNew York, United States | 3 | 109.07 June | 22× |
| EdgewoodMaryland, United States | 2 | 126.08 June | 22× |
| New HavenConnecticut, United States | 4 | 127.07 June | 22× |
| DanburyConnecticut, United States | 3 | 130.07 June | 21× |
| State CollegePennsylvania, United States | 6 | 124.07 June | 21× |
| South VinelandNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 136.08 June | 21× |
| DoverDelaware, United States | 6 | 132.08 June | 20× |
| NewburghNew York, United States | 3 | 101.07 June | 20× |
| LindenNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 147.07 June | 20× |
| Fort LeeNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 119.07 June | 19× |
| South LaurelMaryland, United States | 2 | 116.08 June | 19× |
| SpringfieldVirginia, United States | 6 | 128.08 June | 18× |
| BaltimoreMaryland, United States | 3 | 117.08 June | 18× |
| ElizabethNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 151.07 June | 17× |
| CornwallOntario, Canada | 2 | 93.56 June | 17× |
| AlbanyNew York, United States | 5 | 102.07 June | 17× |
| PatersonNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 122.07 June | 16× |
| WaterburyConnecticut, United States | 4 | 96.57 June | 16× |
| New BrunswickNew Jersey, United States | 2 | 112.08 June | 16× |
| WashingtonDistrict of Columbia, United States | 5 | 115.58 June | 15× |
| RochesterNew York, United States | 4 | 88.07 June | 15× |
| PittsfieldMassachusetts, United States | 3 | 80.97 June | 15× |
| AppletonWisconsin, United States | 2 | 79.84 June | 15× |
| Jersey CityNew Jersey, United States | 3 | 110.57 June | 15× |
| Hunt ValleyMaryland, United States | 3 | 98.58 June | 15× |
| New LondonConnecticut, United States | 5 | 76.58 June | 14× |
| PeterboroughOntario, Canada | 5 | 71.75 June | 14× |
| Green BayWisconsin, United States | 2 | 75.94 June | 14× |
| Greater SudburyOntario, Canada | 7 | 78.33 June | 14× |
| ScaggsvilleMaryland, United States | 3 | 109.08 June | 14× |
| EwingNew Jersey, United States | 2 | 113.08 June | 13× |
| East HamptonVirginia, United States | 5 | 88.97 June | 13× |
| AltoonaPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 73.37 June | 13× |
| HagerstownMaryland, United States | 2 | 65.88 June | 13× |
| BuffaloNew York, United States | 7 | 91.77 June | 13× |
| HartfordConnecticut, United States | 4 | 74.47 June | 13× |
| RockvilleMaryland, United States | 2 | 72.88 June | 13× |
| Eau ClaireWisconsin, United States | 3 | 68.15 June | 12× |
| North ChicopeeMassachusetts, United States | 3 | 61.88 June | 12× |
| CharlottesvilleVirginia, United States | 6 | 76.28 June | 11× |
| ChesapeakeVirginia, United States | 5 | 78.87 June | 11× |
| WorcesterMassachusetts, United States | 3 | 53.36 June | 10× |
| Port HuronMichigan, United States | 6 | 61.97 June | 9.8× |
| SarniaOntario, Canada | 6 | 62.37 June | 9.7× |
| Fall RiverMassachusetts, United States | 5 | 47.96 June | 9.6× |
| ChathamOntario, Canada | 5 | 56.37 June | 9.5× |
| HempsteadNew York, United States | 1 | 47.36 June | 9.5× |
| GreenfieldMassachusetts, United States | 4 | 48.56 June | 9.2× |
| St. ThomasOntario, Canada | 6 | 61.27 June | 9.0× |
| Lincoln ParkMichigan, United States | 8 | 63.97 June | 8.9× |
| TaylorMichigan, United States | 5 | 58.17 June | 8.9× |
| WindsorOntario, Canada | 6 | 63.07 June | 8.8× |
| LondonOntario, Canada | 6 | 60.07 June | 8.7× |
| North BayOntario, Canada | 4 | 44.19 June | 8.6× |
| DuluthMinnesota, United States | 1 | 42.95 June | 8.6× |
| RichmondVirginia, United States | 6 | 55.57 June | 8.5× |
| YpsilantiMichigan, United States | 5 | 54.78 June | 8.4× |
| SpringfieldMassachusetts, United States | 2 | 51.48 June | 8.4× |
| KenmoreNew York, United States | 4 | 50.07 June | 8.3× |
| Shaker HeightsOhio, United States | 3 | 51.07 June | 8.2× |
| DetroitMichigan, United States | 6 | 66.27 June | 8.0× |
| LansingMichigan, United States | 5 | 55.08 June | 8.0× |
| St. CatharinesOntario, Canada | 7 | 50.97 June | 8.0× |
| MadisonWisconsin, United States | 3 | 44.04 June | 8.0× |
| Fort ThomasKentucky, United States | 3 | 45.17 June | 7.8× |
| MedinaOhio, United States | 3 | 48.67 June | 7.7× |
| MontréalQuebec, Canada | 1 | 47.66 June | 7.7× |
| SuperiorWisconsin, United States | 1 | 41.05 June | 7.6× |
| HopewellVirginia, United States | 6 | 44.87 June | 7.5× |
| Sault Ste. MarieOntario, Canada | 1 | 40.55 June | 7.5× |
| DublinOhio, United States | 6 | 50.87 June | 7.4× |
| CoventryRhode Island, United States | 3 | 37.26 June | 7.4× |
| DearbornMichigan, United States | 6 | 59.57 June | 7.3× |
| KitchenerOntario, Canada | 7 | 52.56 June | 7.2× |
| GahannaOhio, United States | 3 | 36.87 June | 7.2× |
| Saint CloudMinnesota, United States | 1 | 36.36 June | 7.1× |
| ShawiniganQuebec, Canada | 1 | 41.46 June | 7.0× |
| AndersonIndiana, United States | 6 | 43.77 June | 6.9× |
| WaukeshaWisconsin, United States | 3 | 43.44 June | 6.9× |
| BloomingtonIndiana, United States | 4 | 43.36 June | 6.9× |
| DorvalQuebec, Canada | 1 | 42.66 June | 6.9× |
| ProvidenceRhode Island, United States | 3 | 34.66 June | 6.9× |
| JenisonMichigan, United States | 3 | 45.18 June | 6.8× |
| BrocktonMassachusetts, United States | 2 | 39.56 June | 6.8× |
| Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-TremblesQuebec, Canada | 1 | 38.56 June | 6.8× |
| Saint-Jean-sur-RichelieuQuebec, Canada | 1 | 34.16 June | 6.8× |
| AkronOhio, United States | 5 | 48.67 June | 6.7× |
| BarrieOntario, Canada | 6 | 48.16 June | 6.7× |
| ZionIllinois, United States | 1 | 36.54 June | 6.6× |
| Saint MichaelMinnesota, United States | 1 | 35.86 June | 6.6× |
| ClevelandOhio, United States | 5 | 54.97 June | 6.5× |
| South MilwaukeeWisconsin, United States | 3 | 39.74 June | 6.5× |
| DaytonOhio, United States | 6 | 49.47 June | 6.3× |
| RaleighNorth Carolina, United States | 4 | 46.99 June | 6.3× |
| ElizabethtownKentucky, United States | 6 | 37.19 June | 6.3× |
| BrantfordOntario, Canada | 7 | 48.37 June | 6.2× |
| RochesterMinnesota, United States | 3 | 42.15 June | 6.2× |
| NorwoodOhio, United States | 4 | 49.87 June | 6.1× |
| Bay CityMichigan, United States | 4 | 42.77 June | 6.1× |
| MasonOhio, United States | 2 | 37.77 June | 6.1× |
| BurlingtonVermont, United States | 1 | 36.06 June | 6.0× |
| CincinnatiOhio, United States | 3 | 46.27 June | 5.9× |
| MilwaukeeWisconsin, United States | 3 | 43.94 June | 5.9× |
| FlintMichigan, United States | 4 | 41.37 June | 5.9× |
| Weirton HeightsWest Virginia, United States | 4 | 36.06 June | 5.9× |
| RutlandVermont, United States | 1 | 32.46 June | 5.9× |
| BrossardQuebec, Canada | 1 | 35.56 June | 5.8× |
| JohnstownPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 34.76 June | 5.8× |
| Lexington-FayetteKentucky, United States | 4 | 33.28 June | 5.8× |
| MiddletownOhio, United States | 6 | 52.57 June | 5.7× |
| Grand RapidsMichigan, United States | 4 | 41.38 June | 5.7× |
| EriePennsylvania, United States | 6 | 35.67 June | 5.7× |
| YoungstownOhio, United States | 5 | 38.68 June | 5.6× |
| Apple ValleyMinnesota, United States | 2 | 30.05 June | 5.6× |
| CheektowagaNew York, United States | 4 | 53.17 June | 5.5× |
| AshlandKentucky, United States | 4 | 38.57 June | 5.5× |
| CantonOhio, United States | 6 | 47.38 June | 5.4× |
| Winston-SalemNorth Carolina, United States | 4 | 40.36 June | 5.4× |
| HaverhillMassachusetts, United States | 1 | 27.312 June | 5.4× |
| IndianapolisIndiana, United States | 6 | 44.87 June | 5.3× |
| SpringfieldOhio, United States | 6 | 43.77 June | 5.3× |
| WilkinsburgPennsylvania, United States | 6 | 37.36 June | 5.3× |
| RockfordIllinois, United States | 1 | 35.64 June | 5.3× |
| WarrenOhio, United States | 6 | 41.87 June | 5.2× |
| HamiltonOntario, Canada | 6 | 41.27 June | 5.2× |
| JeffersonvilleIndiana, United States | 6 | 39.26 June | 5.2× |
| TorontoOntario, Canada | 2 | 34.96 June | 5.2× |
| JeffersontownKentucky, United States | 5 | 34.16 June | 5.2× |
| PainesvilleOhio, United States | 3 | 31.07 June | 5.2× |
| Saint PaulMinnesota, United States | 2 | 30.46 June | 5.2× |
| ShakopeeMinnesota, United States | 2 | 30.06 June | 5.2× |
| MolineIllinois, United States | 2 | 29.74 June | 5.2× |
| QuincyMassachusetts, United States | 2 | 27.512 June | 5.2× |
| KeeneNew Hampshire, United States | 1 | 26.76 June | 5.2× |
| BlaineMinnesota, United States | 1 | 26.46 June | 5.2× |
| BensalemPennsylvania, United States | 6 | 40.56 June | 5.1× |
| ClemmonsNorth Carolina, United States | 4 | 37.66 June | 5.1× |
| ColumbusIndiana, United States | 3 | 35.56 June | 5.1× |
| LebanonOhio, United States | 2 | 35.37 June | 5.1× |
| MinneapolisMinnesota, United States | 2 | 31.66 June | 5.1× |
| BurnsvilleMinnesota, United States | 2 | 31.36 June | 5.1× |
| LowellMassachusetts, United States | 2 | 29.612 June | 5.1× |
| DerryNew Hampshire, United States | 1 | 25.312 June | 5.1× |
| ToledoOhio, United States | 4 | 38.77 June | 5.0× |
| White OakOhio, United States | 3 | 31.47 June | 5.0× |
| BloomingtonIllinois, United States | 1 | 30.64 June | 5.0× |
| PittsburghPennsylvania, United States | 5 | 35.66 June | 4.9× |
| ClintonIowa, United States | 1 | 32.14 June | 4.9× |
| ConwaySouth Carolina, United States | 2 | 30.610 June | 4.9× |
| RoanokeVirginia, United States | 4 | 30.07 June | 4.9× |
| LynnMassachusetts, United States | 1 | 27.712 June | 4.9× |
| RedfordMichigan, United States | 4 | 44.07 June | 4.8× |
| KalamazooMichigan, United States | 5 | 37.76 June | 4.8× |
| BostonMassachusetts, United States | 2 | 29.612 June | 4.8× |
| WaterlooIowa, United States | 2 | 35.35 June | 4.7× |
| PortsmouthNew Hampshire, United States | 1 | 27.112 June | 4.7× |
| HernandoMississippi, United States | 4 | 33.87 June | 4.6× |
| South BendIndiana, United States | 3 | 33.26 June | 4.6× |
| DecaturIllinois, United States | 3 | 32.84 June | 4.6× |
| McKeesportPennsylvania, United States | 4 | 31.86 June | 4.5× |
| Saint MatthewsKentucky, United States | 5 | 30.46 June | 4.5× |
| GranbyQuebec, Canada | 1 | 25.36 June | 4.5× |
| West MifflinPennsylvania, United States | 6 | 40.26 June | 4.4× |
| East Saint LouisIllinois, United States | 4 | 35.86 June | 4.4× |
| ClaytonNorth Carolina, United States | 4 | 35.89 June | 4.4× |
| LouisvilleKentucky, United States | 5 | 34.16 June | 4.4× |
| FishersIndiana, United States | 2 | 31.27 June | 4.4× |
| DavenportIowa, United States | 1 | 27.24 June | 4.4× |
| PhiladelphiaPennsylvania, United States | 3 | 36.26 June | 4.3× |
| MorrisvilleNorth Carolina, United States | 5 | 34.79 June | 4.3× |
| GreenvilleNorth Carolina, United States | 3 | 30.57 June | 4.3× |
| CharlestonWest Virginia, United States | 3 | 29.08 June | 4.3× |
| SpringdaleArkansas, United States | 2 | 39.16 June | 4.2× |
| OwensboroKentucky, United States | 5 | 37.68 June | 4.2× |
| SteubenvilleOhio, United States | 5 | 35.16 June | 4.2× |
| KnoxvilleTennessee, United States | 3 | 32.37 June | 4.2× |
| OlatheKansas, United States | 1 | 26.26 June | 4.2× |
| Iowa CityIowa, United States | 1 | 25.06 June | 4.2× |
| Des MoinesIowa, United States | 2 | 29.56 June | 4.1× |
| New AlbanyIndiana, United States | 1 | 25.36 June | 4.1× |
| LimaOhio, United States | 3 | 36.77 June | 4.0× |
| North CharlestonSouth Carolina, United States | 2 | 32.210 June | 4.0× |
| Calumet CityIllinois, United States | 2 | 30.76 June | 4.0× |
| Kansas CityKansas, United States | 1 | 27.56 June | 4.0× |
| KokomoIndiana, United States | 5 | 27.49 June | 4.0× |
| AthensGeorgia, United States | 2 | 27.310 June | 4.0× |
| FayettevilleNorth Carolina, United States | 2 | 32.87 June | 3.9× |
| EvansvilleIndiana, United States | 4 | 31.77 June | 3.9× |
| AnkenyIowa, United States | 2 | 30.56 June | 3.9× |
| East ChicagoIndiana, United States | 2 | 28.06 June | 3.9× |
| NorthbrookIllinois, United States | 1 | 26.64 June | 3.9× |
| Valley StationKentucky, United States | 7 | 30.56 June | 3.8× |
| HollandMichigan, United States | 1 | 28.66 June | 3.8× |
| SpringfieldIllinois, United States | 1 | 27.04 June | 3.8× |
| LafayetteIndiana, United States | 1 | 26.46 June | 3.8× |
| CaryIllinois, United States | 2 | 26.24 June | 3.8× |
| SavannahGeorgia, United States | 1 | 25.510 June | 3.8× |
| LexingtonNorth Carolina, United States | 2 | 30.77 June | 3.7× |
| HammondIndiana, United States | 2 | 28.76 June | 3.7× |
| AugustaGeorgia, United States | 2 | 28.410 June | 3.7× |
| ElkhartIndiana, United States | 2 | 28.26 June | 3.7× |
| MaryvilleTennessee, United States | 1 | 28.27 June | 3.7× |
| DurhamNorth Carolina, United States | 1 | 27.29 June | 3.7× |
| PaducahKentucky, United States | 4 | 26.59 June | 3.7× |
| Des PlainesIllinois, United States | 2 | 26.16 June | 3.7× |
| La CrosseWisconsin, United States | 2 | 58.95 June | 3.6× |
| BirminghamAlabama, United States | 3 | 32.89 June | 3.6× |
| Roanoke RapidsNorth Carolina, United States | 3 | 29.39 June | 3.6× |
| NapervilleIllinois, United States | 3 | 27.76 June | 3.6× |
| JolietIllinois, United States | 2 | 27.76 June | 3.6× |
| TrussvilleAlabama, United States | 1 | 27.110 June | 3.6× |
| HendersonvilleTennessee, United States | 2 | 27.07 June | 3.6× |
| HuntsvilleAlabama, United States | 1 | 25.110 June | 3.6× |
| FlorenceSouth Carolina, United States | 3 | 29.79 June | 3.5× |
| LawrencevilleGeorgia, United States | 2 | 29.010 June | 3.5× |
| Phenix CityAlabama, United States | 2 | 28.19 June | 3.5× |
| GreenvilleSouth Carolina, United States | 1 | 26.47 June | 3.5× |
| ChattanoogaTennessee, United States | 3 | 32.09 June | 3.4× |
| GreensboroNorth Carolina, United States | 1 | 27.26 June | 3.4× |
| CharlotteNorth Carolina, United States | 1 | 27.17 June | 3.4× |
| St. LouisMissouri, United States | 4 | 32.16 June | 3.3× |
| Saint AndrewsSouth Carolina, United States | 2 | 27.89 June | 3.3× |
| East RidgeTennessee, United States | 3 | 30.810 June | 3.2× |
| SpartanburgSouth Carolina, United States | 2 | 29.47 June | 3.2× |
| GainesvilleGeorgia, United States | 3 | 30.010 June | 3.1× |
| HueytownAlabama, United States | 1 | 25.09 June | 3.1× |
| Terre HauteIndiana, United States | 2 | 30.76 June | 3.0× |
| BartlettTennessee, United States | 2 | 26.57 June | 3.0× |
| MaconGeorgia, United States | 2 | 26.39 June | 3.0× |
| Little RockArkansas, United States | 2 | 28.67 June | 2.8× |
Daily means in µg/m³, over the days each city counted in this episode. Highest: its highest of those days. Usual: the city's median for the time of year of that day (its days within 21 days of the date, every year, leaving out the week around it). Above usual: its highest day against that, with a usual under 5 µg/m³ taken as 5.
Against other episodes in the United States and Canada
Number 3 of 141 episodes in the United States and Canada since our records began, by cities reached.
- Eastern United States and Canada, 25 June to 2 July 2023280
- North-eastern United States and Canada, July 2026264
- Eastern United States and Canada, May and June 2023261
- North-eastern United States and Canada, 30 July to 9 August 2025241
- Eastern United States and Canada, July 2023240
- North-eastern United States and Canada, 3 to 9 June 2025196
- Eastern United States and Canada, 14 to 19 June 2023161
- North-eastern United States and Canada, 12 to 16 July 2025119
- North-western United States and Canada, August 2023110
- North-eastern United States and Canada, 10 to 14 June 2025104
- North-western United States and Canada, 4 to 11 August 202699
- North-eastern United States and Canada, 14 to 19 February 202696
Bars: cities reached; colour: the level of the episode's highest daily reading. All 141.
Use this page
SmogRank, Eastern United States and Canada, May and June 2023: 261 cities with PM2.5 at twice their usual or more, 31 May to 12 June 2023, smogrank.com/episodes/2023-05-eastern-united-states-and-canada (accessed 4 October 2026).
You're welcome to reuse a single chart, image or figure with this citation and a link. Terms.
An episode is a run of days when many cities close to each other (four or more within 350 km on a day, 8 or more in all) each had a daily PM2.5 mean of at least 25 µg/m³ and at least 2 times their usual for that time of year. Found in our own measurements, not picked by hand. How we find episodes. Values are each city's daily mean of its own monitors; causes are the usual kinds for a pattern like this, not a confirmed source.