Winds shift wildfire smoke into Ontario, Midwest by weekend
Wildfire smoke is expected to spread into Ontario and the Midwest as winds shift this weekend.
After days of dense smoke drifting across Northern Canada, the winds are likely to change—as is the smoke's destination.
Wildfires are still out of control in broad regions of northern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and Labrador.
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The smoke from these fires has already travelled over 5,000 km, spanning the country and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Until now, the smoke has primarily travelled north, away from densely inhabited areas. Yet a cold front heading through Ontario this weekend will drive that smoke south, affecting both the skies and the air quality in areas of the province and beyond.
Residents in northern Ontario and the U.S. Midwest may experience a drop in air quality by Friday. Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for several regions, including Thunder Bay.
The smoke is likely to spread to southern and eastern Ontario by late Friday or early Saturday. While majority of it will remain elevated, it may still cause hazy skies and stunningly red sunrises and sunsets during the weekend.
Meanwhile, B.C. and Alberta will see an entirely different picture. Onshore Pacific flow is expected to shield much of the region from new wildfire smoke, creating some breathing room while personnel continue battle fires on the ground.
The shift in smoke patterns reveals how rapidly the story can move with the wind—and why many Canadians may soon witness the effects of distant fires, even if they're situated far from the flames.