June 6, 2023
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — The National Weather Service Philadelphia Mount Holly reported hazy, smoky skies across the Northeast today that are having impacts on air quality. But where did all of this thick, heavy smoke come from? Raging wildfires in Quebec, Canada are generating large smoke plumes to the north and ALL of the smoke is being funneled right into the Northeast thanks to steering currents from a stationary low off the coast of Maine and a strong high over the Great Lakes and Ontario. Additional smoke and haze is expected to arrive around sunset tonight and continue into the day tomorrow, bringing air quality concerns along with it.
McGuire Airforce Base – KWRI METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports) data indicated 3 miles visibility CLR with haze late this afternoon. Since that report the visibility has increased to 5 miles with haze and broken clouds tonight. Haze could be seen throughout the area and with a smell of smoke. Trenton Mercer Airport KTTN reports 3 miles visibility and overcast skies tonight.
Photos from the Allentown – Upper Freehold Township areas showing hazy smoky skies.
Where did all of this thick, heavy smoke across the Northeast come from? Raging wildfires in Quebec are generating large smoke plumes to the north and ALL of the smoke is being funneled right into the Northeast. Unfortunately, more smoke is on the way for tonight and Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/TCFkOJZOb0
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 6, 2023
Here is a look at the current surface visibility restrictions due to the Canadian wildfire smoke across the area. The smoke and haze should slowly improve overnight, however an additional plume of smoke is expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon and evening
Haze and smoke will continue tonight through Wednesday. Temps will be near normal. Some isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible to the north Wed afternoon, but most areas will remain dry.
For air quality in your area, check https://www.airnow.gov/