It was a hazy, foul-smelling weekend due to wildfire smoke. When VT will get the all clear.
The smoky haze from Canadian wildfires settled over northern Vermont once again on Sunday and could continue through Monday.
The thick atmosphere could be mistaken for fog as the region has been stuck in a pattern of rainy days, but those hoping to enjoy their weekend outdoors also got a nose-full. The smell was more prevalent than the last time northern Vermont's air quality was significantly impacted by wildfire smoke − on June 6 − when an orange haze was what most people sensed, and this time the breathing conditions were worse.
The state issued air quality alerts for Sunday that reached as high as the "very unhealthy" level for a pocket of northwestern Vermont. During this indication everyone is advised to avoid prolonged activity outdoors or strenuous exertion and sensitive groups − those with asthma, a heart condition, the very young or elderly − should avoid being outside altogether.
Vermont Air Quality Index Map: Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and current conditions
Vermont wildfire, smoke map: Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings
Much of northern Vermont reached the "unhealthy" and "sensitive groups" range for which recommendations say prolonged activity should be reduced for the former, and sensitive groups may want to adjust their outside air exposure for the latter.
Air quality was worse during this event than June 6 which reached the "sensitive groups" level.
Air quality remains unhealthy across much of northern New York and Vermont this morning. Smoke continues to reduce visibility to 2 miles or less across the aforementioned area. Air quality will improve this morning as southerly winds push the smoke back into Canada. #vtwx #nywx pic.twitter.com/UCclf65Nve
— NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) June 26, 2023
For those who have outdoor allergies, the smoke may or may not exacerbate symptoms. If someone knows pollutants in the air cause symptoms or if they have allergy-induced asthma, they may want to treat themselves as part of the "sensitive group" when it comes to air quality standards.
A resource for what the air quality standards mean, how each level impacts particular people and recommendations for behavior when air quality is poor can be found at airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/air-quality-guide_pm_2015_0.pdf.
The National Weather Service Burlington office predicted the smoke would clear out during the first half of the day on Monday as southerly winds, which blow from south to north, would push the smoke back toward Canada. While the wildfires continue to burn, Vermont will remain at risk for more poor air quality impacts, which is subject to weather patterns and wind direction. Canada's wildfire season typically runs through September.
Air Quality Resources and smoke impacts: Vermont didn't get the worst of wildfire smoke, but the state isn't in the clear yet
Contact reporter April Barton at abarton@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Canadian wildfire smoke settles on VT again. This time it's worse.
