Canadian Wildfire Smoke Creeps in to Otsego County, New York
Here we go again.
This past summer, we've dealt with smoky conditions here and there from the wildfires that were burning in Canada. Though not nearly as bad as conditions were in June of 2023, some folks have reported some minor smoke related discomfort.
This morning, there are posts all over social media talking lingering smoke and hazy skies. According to Bill Kardas, Chief Meteorologist for NewsChannel 2 in Utica: "Canadian wildfire smoke is likely going to linger around in Central New York this week and could get thicker by Thursday and Friday. There are many fires currently happening in remote regions of Canada and no sign of them slowing down."
As of this writing, the Air Quality Index number sits at 68, or moderate. If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
If you suffer from asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, other chronic conditions or acute infections such as COVID-19 might be at higher risk of effects from the lingering smoke. It's going to be warmish today, but it's not a great day to open up the windows, keep them closed and the smoke out.
If you smell smoke creeping inside and have a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter, use it. If you are sensitive to air quality and have to venture outside, consider using a well fitting N95 respirator mask. As we saw during the pandemic, they're best for filtering out fine particulates.
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