Canada wildfire smoke clears from Indy skies ahead of storm system
The wildfire smoke from Canada is ebbing away from Indianapolis ahead of a line of storms entering the metro area, giving residents a reprieve from the hazy conditions.
National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew White said Thursday marks the tail end of the smoke, especially for the next few days as the storm rolls in.
“Visibility will start to improve,” White said. “Even now, visibility is six miles, which is three times better than what it was yesterday. It’s pretty much wrapped up through the weekend.”
The air quality index in Indy dropped to around 161 Thursday afternoon, a large decline from yesterday’s 249, according to the U.S. EPA’s AirNow website. A 161 AQI still puts the air outside at “unhealthy” levels, and the EPA recommends everyone limit the amount of strenuous activity outside.
Northerly winds were carrying the smoke from Canada’s wildfires into the region, pulling it down to the surface from high altitudes, White said. Winds are now moving in from the south, allowing things to mix and clear out.
But Hoosiers will be trading one poor air quality condition for another as ozone levels for Friday are expected to be high. The city’s Office of Sustainability issued a Knozone Action Day for ozone on Friday when ozone levels are expected to exceed federal standards.
The office is expecting levels of ground-level ozone that will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
“Poor air quality impacts public health, and sensitive groups throughout Central Indiana should avoid time spent outdoors as much as possible, especially active children, the elderly, anyone pregnant, and those with asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart disease, or COVID,” according to a news release. “This will be the thirteenth Knozone Action Day declared in 2023.”
Indy residents are encouraged to avoid idling vehicles for too long, drive less, wait to refuel engines until the temperatures cool down and reduce energy use at home.
“This time of the year it’s normal to see higher ozone levels,” White said. “The smoke was more unusual.”
The expected rain will be spotty and hard to predict exactly how much the area will get, but White said Indianapolis will likely see up to an inch of rain.
“Chances of rain are high at any given point, but it’s hard to say when we’ll be seeing those,” White said. “Thankfully we look to be in a pretty wet pattern for the next few days.”
Health tips: Wildfire smoke pushes Indy air quality to dangerous level
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy's hazy days to end as rains roll in
