Smoke, Ozone, Poor Air Quality Impact CT, Forecasters Caution

CONNECTICUT — Smoke from Canadian wildfires and ozone are negatively impacting air quality in Connecticut throughout the day today.

The website, FireSmoke.ca, currently shows a plume of smoke above most of the Northeast.

Air quality alerts are in effect through 11 p.m. tonight due to ground level ozone and fine particulates, according to the National Weather Service.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s searchable air quality map listed East Hartford at 127 at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, which is within a range considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The EPA recommends taking precautions, such as reducing outdoor activities, and going inside to cleaner air if you have symptoms.

The U.S. Air Quality Index is EPA's tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health. Lower numbers are considered healthier.

An index of 50 or below is considered good, 51 to 100 is moderate, while 101 to 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The categories increase in stages, with anything above 151 considered unhealthy for everyone.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is also cautioning people today about potential risks from wildfire smoke to pets and livestock, and it provides tips for helping animals when smoke is an issue.

“When wildfires affect air quality, it’s not just humans who are at risk; our animals are too,” said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president of the AVMA. “If the air looks or smells smoky, or if you’re feeling the effects yourself, it’s best to take steps to make sure your pets are safe, and stay safe.”

WFSB reports that people with respiratory issues will need to limit the time they spend outdoors today due to the smoky haze.

“Smoke is going to be with us this morning and afternoon, then tomorrow will be much improved,” the station reported.

Isolated showers are possible today, but most of the state will not see any precipitation today, according to WFSB.

The National Weather Service predicts Tuesday will be hazy and partly sunny, with high temperatures in the mid-80s.

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Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service, as of mid-day Tuesday:

Today: Widespread haze. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Tonight: Widespread haze. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 6 to 9 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service, as of mid-day Tuesday:

Today: Widespread haze before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Read more: Bad Air From Wildfires: How To Protect Yourself