Wildfires in California may bring minor smoke to North Carolina this weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Wildfires from two thousand miles away could impact North Carolina this weekend.

The Park Fire in north California has burned more than 200,000 acres as of Friday night and is now the 13th largest wildfire in state history. A fire that large also produces an immense amount of smoke. As with last year’s Canadian wildfires, when that amount of smoke rises into the upper levels of the atmosphere, it can get caught up in the upper-level Jetstream and travel long distances.

It’s that type of weather pattern and situation that could bring small amounts of smoke to the upper atmosphere over North Carolina for the final weekend of July.

All of this would happen as North Carolina dries out and has sunshine return after a cloudy and wet week. The smoke this weekend will be in minor amounts and shouldn’t impact air quality, but it could turn the Carolina blue skies a little grayer. It could also provide some amazing sunrise and sunsets.

Last summer, the large number of Canadian wildfires gave North Carolina several hazy days. Now, there are many large fires in the western part of the U.S. that could again impact the weather on the east coast.

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