When smoke changes the weekend plan

An outdoor plan may need changing even when it is not raining. Wildfire smoke and other air pollution can affect places far from the visible source.

Check current local air-quality guidance before leaving, especially during smoke events. In the United States, AirNow provides readings, forecasts and advice for different conditions. Follow your local public-health guidance elsewhere and any personal advice from your clinician.

Do not rely on how the air looks or smells to decide that it is suitable. Choose an indoor alternative or postpone when guidance calls for limiting outdoor activity. People have different levels of sensitivity, so a plan that feels acceptable to one companion may not suit another.

Keep the change simple. Move the social part of the outing to an appropriate indoor setting if conditions and local advice allow, or arrange another date. A route can be worth visiting without being the right place to go this particular weekend.