Latest Smoke Forecast for the Weekend: When Will It End?

The weather pattern that has been responsible for channeling thick, hazardous wildfire smoke from Canada into the central and eastern United States is expected to continue over the next few days, according to forecasters. While there may be a brief respite on Saturday, July 18, in some areas, the overall impact of the smoke is likely to persist.

Due to the heavy smoke, air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people across several states, including all of Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as reported by the National Weather Service. These alerts are a direct result of the ongoing wildfires in Canada, which have created dangerous conditions for residents in affected regions.

More than 800 wildfires are still burning in Canada, with dozens of them classified as out of control, particularly in western Ontario, which is the primary source of the smoke. According to AccuWeather, these fires have contributed significantly to the current air quality issues in the U.S.

Short-term Relief in the Northeast

Some individuals may experience a brief reprieve from the smoke on Saturday, July 18, as showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in the Ohio Valley and much of the Northeast during the afternoon and evening. This weather event could help clear the air of smoke particles in those areas, according to Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at Weather.com.

However, the storms could reach severe levels, as warned by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). The SPC stated that severe thunderstorms are likely to affect portions of the Ohio Valley, Lower Great Lakes, and mid-Atlantic regions, mainly on Saturday afternoon and evening. Some threat may continue into late Saturday night.

Persistent Heat and Humidity

In areas where it is not raining, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center has indicated that hot and humid conditions will continue across the Great Lakes and northern Plains for several days. Daily high temperatures are expected to range from the 90s to the lower 100s during this period.

Impact on the World Cup Final

Erdman noted that model forecasts suggest two more southward plunges of smoke could occur starting on Saturday, July 18, in the northern Great Lakes. By Sunday, July 19, this smoke could spread as far south as the Ohio Valley and potentially re-enter parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Despite the ongoing smoke, the skies over the New York City area are expected to be clear and smoke-free for the World Cup final game on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

Erdman also mentioned that another round of smoke could move southward through the Midwest beginning on Tuesday and may reach parts of the South by mid- to late next week.

How to stay smoke-safe

According to AccuWeather, people are encouraged to limit time outdoors amid the poor air quality, especially those in sensitive groups.

Spending time outdoors and exercising could increase the risk of impacts, including difficulty breathing, throat irritation and itchy eyes.

“Make sure to keep pets indoors to limit their exposure to poor air quality,” AccuWeather meteorologist Breanna Grill added.

The smoke can also limit temperatures amid an ongoing heat dome, and where the smoke is not as thick in the sky, create vivid sunrises and sunsets, AccuWeather said.