Western wildfire smoke staying put for most of the week

 

Michiana sunrises and sunsets lately have a special flare to them, thanks to smoke from western wildfires filtering back in.

A potent heat wave is scorching parts of the western United States and western Canada, exacerbating numerous large fires already burning there. The jet stream is sending some of that smoke in our direction, first from Canada, and then from the western United States later this week.

Fortunately, the smoke is staying in the upper levels of the atmosphere. This means our air quality near the ground has not been affected, and local sensors are depicting good air quality.

However, our air quality could take a dip later this week. Forecast winds are less strong during Michiana's run at 90 degrees Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, the smoky air could become more stagnant and sink closer to the ground.

For now, we'll enjoy our colorful sunrises, sunsets, and monitor the next push of wildfire smoke beginning on Wednesday.