More smoky skies as Canadian fires rage; air quality issues continue
The smoke is at it again, this time some of the thickest we’ve seen in quite a while across Southern New England.
Air quality levels have ranged from moderate to poor across the area. To the southwest of us across southern CT and New York City, the air has been hazardous.
The images coming out from parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are staggering, giving the appearance of a dust storm – or another planet!
Those with respiratory ailments should limit time outdoors and consider wearing an N95 mask until this situation improves, which may not be for a few more days.
For this to happen, we need winds to change direction. Right now, northwest winds around an upper-level low sitting to our north continue to push the smoke in our direction.
The jet stream is very wavy right now, and we are in a setup called an ‘Omega block’, which is keeping the upper-low from moving away from us.
This has been the reason for the daily shower chances since this past Saturday, as well as the cooler than average temperatures.
This should finally begin to happen Saturday into Sunday, which will also end a week of continuous daily shower chances. It will also signal the warmest day since last Friday.
Unfortunately, we will only get one dry day before the next storm system approaches from the west.
STAY WITH ABC6 FOR THE LATEST ON THE CANADIAN WILDFIRES AND THE MOST ACCURATE LOCAL FORECAST IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy skies, with about a 50% chance of showers, especially later in the day. Highs in the upper 60s.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, with showers more likely – about a 70% chance. Highs in the mid to upper 60s.
SATURDAY: Partly sunny and a bit warmer. A 30% chance of daytime showers. Highs near 70.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny and warm. Highs near 80.
MONDAY: Becoming cloudy with a chance of showers later in the day. Highs in the upper 70s.
TUESDAY: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s
–Meteorologist Geoff Bansen
