Wildfire Smoke Lingers Over the Midwest and Northeast, But Relief May Be Near

While air quality levels have improved across the northern U.S. since last week's dangerous conditions, batches of smoke and haze continue to creep across the border from Canada. The good news is that the forecast of rain is expected to bring about more relief as the week progresses. Here is the latest on where air quality stands now, as well as how the arrival of moisture will help to clear out the lingering smoke.

Fluctuating Times of Smoke and Cleaner Air This Week

Wildfires burning thousands of miles away in Canada are continuing to contribute to the poor air quality readings across a large swath of the Upper Midwest, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast. The worst of the fires are burning in western Ontario, to the northwest of Lake Superior in the U.S. The prevailing wind patterns over the last several days have sent the thick smoke to the southeast and across the border into the U.S. Although some of the smoke has remained high in the atmosphere, there have been times when the dangerous particles have made it down to ground level, triggering hazardous air quality conditions.

The latest forecast models indicate that the shifting winds will continue to result in alternating times of thick smoke and cleaner air across the Great Lakes and the Northeast early in the week. The ever-changing nature of these winds will result in times of improving and worsening air quality through at least Wednesday. As such, it is a good idea to stay on top of the Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings in your specific area, particularly when you are planning to spend time outside.

In addition to the forecast of storms for the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and eastern U.S. this week, rain falling directly over the wildfires in western Ontario will also help to extinguish some of the flames. The hope is that enough rain will fall to reduce the low-level smoke that has been sweeping across portions of the Midwest and the Northeast.

However, there is also the chance that the weather pattern in Canada could produce dry thunderstorms. This type of storm is distinguished by its minimal moisture and increased threat of lightning strikes capable of sparking new wildfires.

Large blazes in Oregon are also sending smoke up through the Pacific Northwest and to the east into the Dakotas.