Smoke in the air will probably be more noticeable soon; here’s why

A recent wildfire in South Jersey - the Tea Time Hill Wildfire in Wharton State Forest - and other burning wildfires across the country mean you’re probably going to start catching whiffs of smoke in the air.

Wildfires, even those thousands of miles away, can significantly impact air quality and visibility on the East Coast.

Here’s why.

Smoky smell coming?

Wildfire smoke travels through the upper atmosphere, carried by wind currents. While the primary smoke plumes usually remain high above the ground, fine particulate matter and gases can drop closer to the surface over time.

This phenomenon, known as long-range transport, allows smoke from fires in places like California or Oregon to reach the East Coast.

That means we can experience hazy skies and the distinct smell of smoke when these particles mix with local conditions.

The current hot and humid weather can add to the impact, as high temperatures combined with stagnant air traps pollutants, including smoke particles, closer to the ground.

This can lead to a build-up of smoke haze and decrease air quality more significantly. Additionally, humid air can enhance the visibility of smoke particles, making the haze more noticeable and reducing visibility over larger areas.

Health officials often advise vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions or the elderly, to limit outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality caused by distant wildfires.

Monitoring air quality reports and heeding local advisories can help mitigate health risks.