Tuesday Evening July 20 2021
We are in the thick of it now. The smoke from the wildfires in Canada has sent a robust plume that spread through the eastern US. This was more pronounced than the day before, and may still have a little more building to go.
The forecast shows the thick smoke will actually increase a little more Wednesday, then get a push out of here with showers and a cold front.
Here are the observations today and forecast for Wednesday. Then we can look to an improvement.
Evening Satellite
This afternoon the air quality dropped to dangerous levels north of Baltimore where Code Orange and Red levels were recorded. I was out training for my Maryland Trek, and had to cut it short because it was not fun to be breathing heavy in this.
Regardless of your fitness level, this is the time to lay low and workout ‘indoors’.
Air Quality Recorded Tuesday Afternoon
Wide View Satellite Loop
Look closely at the widespread haze. It is the transparent milky color that appears enhanced as the late day sun shines in the last few images.
Wildfire Smoke Observations Today
The source of the fires remains active.
Wind Forecast (Jet Stream) Wednesday
The winds aloft at 18,000 Ft will continue to provide a direct path for the smoke plume to cross our sky.
Smoke Forecast Snapshot
Smoke levels are expected to max out in the early afternoon. This maybe a more narrow band, that will get squeezed out and pushed east by a cold front.
Smoke Forecast Animation:
6 AM to 10 PM
Air Quality FORECAST Wednesday
The Code Orange zone will be more widespread over more populated central Maryland, Delmarva, and the beaches. Some urban areas could push the Code Red levels.
Based on Tuesday’s build up and my personal experience, please take my suggestion and limit your outdoor activities.
If you are at the beaches, the sea breeze should help with mixing the air at the surface, but the sky will be very hazy.
Radar Simulation:
2 PM to 10 PM
Relief from rain forming between 2 and 4 PM, then dropping to the coast by sunset.
A cold front that may form a solid line of rain and thunderstorms. This will help take the particulates out of the air, so it may actually smell like smoke for a bit.
Clearing and cooler weather is expected to follow. I will have a complete weather forecast in my morning update.
Smoke forecast with the interactive map.
Also See:
Sound Familiar?
You might recall the amazing sunrises in September. That was the last time we had smoke from Wildfires reach us. That time is was from the western US.
See more in this report from September 15.
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