Stagnant Pattern Keeps Wildfire Smoke Around

Numerous large fires are burning in Canada, producing thick smoke that has impacted much of U.S. northern states, creating low visibility, murky skies, and poor air quality. There have been over 1400 fires nationwide this year. Close to 60 fires burning right now are "out of control" where fire crews are unable to contain the flames with a number of fires "being held" or "in control".

Recent rainfall on the fires have helped to dampen flames and reduce the spread of wildfires in Northwest Territories and the Providences of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. That is all thanks to an area of low pressure over the West Coast (shown above). We are stuck in an "Omega Block" pattern, named for the Greek letter it resembles, with an area of high pressure in the central U.S. and lows on either side. That same area of high pressure is driving smoke around it and into the East, but also trapping smoke underneath the high with little daily movement.

We see many communities in the MODERATE air quality category in the central and southeastern U.S.. If you are sensitive to smoke or have health conditions, take extra precautions.

Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on-air quality concerns and the fires burning in Canada.