SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Skies are smoky Tuesday across the city of Syracuse. Precision Weather Service President Wayne Mahar says the poor air quality is the result of another Canadian wildfire.
Mahar said the haze comes from a wildfire in Alberta province in Western Canada.
A few weeks ago, Syracuse had similar conditions. The poor air quality in June, however, was caused by eastern Canadian wildfires.
Since the smoke is coming from 1,500-2,000 miles away, it is not as dense. There are also windier conditions and expected rain that will help disperse the smoke. Mahar said these conditions are about 2.5 times better than they were in early June.
“It’s still bad, but not quite as bad or as thick as it was back a few weeks ago, when the wildfires were only 200 miles away, just up to our north,” Mahar said.
Although these conditions are not as dangerous, Mahar said people who have breathing, heart or lung ailments should stay inside.
Many residents are trying to protect themselves with masks. Oftentimes, these are not effective. Mahar said the particles are so small, they can travel through masks. If residents’ physical conditions are healthy though, they are not highly vulnerable.
How long the air quality will remain poor in Syracuse will partly depend on the wind direction. Mahar expects that the wind will move south Wednesday. He predicts the air to be better in 24-36 hours.
The air quality may get better for Central New Yorkers, but Mahar thinks the wildfires in Canada will remain an issue until the fall.
Mahar said, “You’re still dealing with a bad situation with as I mentioned, over 900 wildfires spread out across Canada, as we speak. It’s tough for them to get that under control.”
It’s possible the smoke will return to Syracuse.