Tag: Canadian wildfires

W.Va. Air Quality Alert Extended

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide air quality advisory for fine particulate matter until midnight Tuesday.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide air quality advisory for fine particulate matter until midnight Tuesday.

An air quality advisory was also issued Monday as smoke from wildfires in Canada moved into the region.

Air Quality Index scores, particularly in the Northern Panhandle, may be in the 101-150 range, which can cause health effects in sensitive groups including children, people suffering from asthma, heart or lung disease, and the elderly. 

Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, citizens in areas with poor air quality are encouraged to limit their time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities. 

N-95 masks can help reduce smoke inhalation and potential health risks. 

Citizens are encouraged to check the AirNow website to see real time air quality data in their area and surrounding states. Please make sure you are viewing the interactive map for your area using the “contours” setting.

National Weather Service Predicts Smoke Over W.Va. Could Dissipate, Temporarily

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jennifer Berryman said an expected shift in the air flow high up in the atmosphere could temporarily cause the smoke to dissipate in time for the July Fourth weekend.

With Canadian wildfires affecting air quality levels throughout much of the state, many people are wondering about the wisdom of spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend. 

The National Weather Service said a predicted change in weather patterns could temporarily dissipate some of the smoky haze affecting the state as we head into the early part of the weekend.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jennifer Berryman said an expected shift in the air flow high up in the atmosphere could cause the smoke to dissipate in time for the July 4 weekend.

“We’ve been seeing a flow from the northwest that’s been transporting the smoke down from Canada into our area,” Berryman said. “Once we get into the weekend we are looking at more of a westerly flow — potentially sourcing that air from a different location that would lead to an improvement in conditions.”

Berryman said that while we may have a short break from poor air quality, she expects another shift in the weather pattern back to a northwest airstream.

As the wildfires continue to burn out of control in Canada the state can expect a return to hazy and smoky conditions by midweek.

To see the latest on air quality for your area, visit AirNow.gov.

Click here​ for information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. 

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