Canadian Wildfire Smoke Could Affect North Carolina This Weekend

After several days of cooler weather, another familiar summer concern may soon return to the Carolinas—not from thunderstorms or extreme heat, but from hundreds of miles away.

Smoke from ongoing wildfires burning across Canada could begin affecting North Carolina later this week and into the weekend. While the greatest impacts remain uncertain, forecasters are keeping a close eye on the potential for hazy skies and possible reductions in air quality.

Where Is the Smoke Coming From?

Large wildfires continue to burn across parts of central Canada. High in the atmosphere, winds have been transporting smoke southeast across portions of the Great Lakes, the Northeast, and the Mid-Atlantic.

Some of that smoke is expected to drift over North Carolina during the next several days.

Will We Notice It?

For today and Thursday, most of the smoke is expected to remain high in the atmosphere. That means you may notice:

• More colorful sunrises and sunsets.
• A hazy appearance to the sky.
• Little to no impact on the air you breathe.

The forecast becomes a little more uncertain Friday through the weekend.

As weather patterns shift and winds begin blowing from the northwest at lower levels of the atmosphere, there is increasing potential for some of that wildfire smoke to mix closer to the ground.

If that happens, some areas could experience:

• Reduced visibility.
• A smoky or hazy appearance.
• Lower air quality, especially during the morning hours.

At this time, confidence remains low on exactly how much smoke will reach the surface or which locations would experience the greatest impacts.

Who Should Pay Attention?

Even small increases in wildfire smoke can affect people who are more sensitive to air pollution, including:

• Those with asthma or COPD.
• People with heart disease.
• Young children.
• Older adults.
• Anyone spending extended periods outdoors.

If smoke concentrations increase, limiting prolonged outdoor activity may be recommended for those sensitive groups.

I'll Be Watching Closely

The overall weather pattern is changing as the strong ridge of high pressure begins to weaken this weekend. That same change will also increase our chances for scattered afternoon thunderstorms.

I'll be monitoring the latest forecast guidance over the next several days to determine whether the wildfire smoke remains high overhead or begins reaching the surface across the Carolinas.

If air quality concerns increase or any Air Quality Alerts are issued for our area, I'll be sure to keep you updated here on Rowan County Weather.

In the meantime, expect mostly sunny skies, increasing heat, and the possibility of a hazy sky as we head toward the weekend.