Nashville is in for some hazy skies Friday and Saturday, as smoke from wildfires out West moves into Tennessee. Upper level westerly winds have brought the smoke into the Volunteer State, said the National Weather Service. Adding to the haze is Saharan dust, which travelled from Africa, through the Caribbean and into southern portions of the U.S.
According to weather service meteorologist, Alyssa Clements, the haze may linger through at least the weekend.
According to the Air Quality Index , Friday's air quality for the Nashville area is moderate, with the primary pollutants being fine inhalable particles (PM2.5 and PM10). If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, it is recommended to consider reducing activity levels or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.
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Why is it so hazy in Nashville?
The haze in Nashville and Middle Tennessee is being caused by smoke from wildfires in the western U.S., drifting into the area, mainly from Colorado and Wyoming. According to the National Interagency Fire Center , there are 94 large active wildfires as of Aug. 2.
Current fires have burned 2,101,281 acres nationwide and evacuation orders are in effect on 28 wildfires. Fuels and fire behavior advisory are in place for Colorado's Front Range, Eastern Wyoming, Southwest Oregon, the region east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington, Nevada, Southern Idaho, Utah, and California.
How long will the haze in Nashville linger?
Hazy conditions are expected to linger throughout the weekend, said the weather service.
What is particle matter? How does it get into the air?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency , particle matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles may be seen with the naked eye, while others are microscopic.
The two types of particle pollution include PM2.5 and PM10. PM10 particles have diameters that are generally 10 micrometers or smaller, and PM2.5 particles have diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Particle pollution can be a result of many things like construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires, said the U.S. EPA.
Is particle matter harmful?
Because particle pollution is so small, it can be inhaled and may even get into the bloodstream, causing serious health problems. Fine particles, like PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health said the U.S. EPA.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why is it hazy in Nashville? Saharan dust, wildfires in the West affect air quality in Middle Tennessee
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