FILE - The Statue of Liberty, covered in a haze-filled sky, is photographed from the Staten Island Ferry, June 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

Smoke from distant wildfires in Alberta are covering the skies today and through the weekend, meteorologists said.

Near-surface smoke concentrations should remain below hazardous levels, but the air may occasionally smell smokey, according to the National Weather Service in State College.

There should be no impact on air quality but it is dimming the sun, according to John Hickey, an independent meteorologist.

This time, the smoke is not as impactful as what was dealt with last summer where air quality was horrendous with thick smoke, he said.

“This is higher in the sky,” Hickey said.

The worst of the smoke is being experienced in the Western U.S., where individuals who are also dealing with record-breaking heatwaves are being asked to consider use of a HEPA air purifier and to limit exposure to unhealthy air quality, people should, ideally, stay indoors with windows and doors closed.

Avoid heavy exertion outdoors, using fans or swamp coolers that take air from outside, all wood burning appliances and lighting candles and incense.

If needed, wear a respirator mask such as an N-95 or P-100 to offer some protection.

Know the risks, as some people such as children and those with heart or lung issues can be more sensitive to moderate to unhealthy air quality.

Throughout the U.S. and Canada, big fires are scorching acres of forests.

In Oregon, 31 active fires have burned 791,653 acres. The Durkee Fire, the largest active blaze in the U.S., was burning near the Oregon-Idaho border and was not contained as of earlier mid-week and had burned nearly 400 square miles.

Moreover, the Cow Valley, Falls and Lone Rock fires, the next largest, have collectively seared some 404,404 acres.

Twelve active large fires are consuming land in California and Arizona. In the Golden State, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara has scorched 38,664 acres and was 90 % contained.

Fires also are taking place in Washington and Montana, Nevada, British Columbia, Idaho, and Utah.

These fires have produced unhealthy air triggering air quality alerts and advisories.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.