Here's When The Smoke Will Finally Clear In Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting smoke from wildfires over Quebec to continue to linger throughout the day on Thursday and result in elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels.

These levels are expected to exceed Unhealthy levels for the entire state as the smoke slowly disperses throughout the day, state health officials said.

“If you don’t need to be outside, particularly if you have respiratory issues or other similar ailments, it is strongly encouraged to stay indoors to the greatest extent possible until air quality improves,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.

“What we’re seeing this week is dramatic, unhealthy, and unprecedented,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Air pollution from Canadian wildfires, made worse by climate change, is now impacting the air we breathe for a fourth straight day. We recommend that people follow guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to protect themselves from experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution.”

“While we brace for another day of poor air quality, we continue to recommend that people avoid being outdoors for prolonged periods of time, if possible,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Those with underlying medical conditions, as well as children and older adults, are considered sensitive populations and are most at risk. KN95 and N95 masks are effective at filtering smoke; if you have one available, consider wearing one while outdoors until the air quality improves.”

Health Effects of PM 2.5 Air Pollution

When air quality reaches Unhealthy levels, individuals with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion and even healthy individuals should limit prolonged exertion, health officials said. The general population may see increased respiratory effects. Additional Connecticut Department of Public Health guidance is available on their website.

How do Forest Fires in Quebec Impact Connecticut?

Major wildfires are still burning across Quebec, most of which are out of control. The wildfire smoke from Quebec is moving south because of an upper-level low-pressure system that is over Maine. With this weather pattern, calm winds will slowly disperse the plume throughout the day on Thursday.

The following image shows the fire locations with the smoke plumes from the EPA Fire and Smoke Map. The satellite image from this morning shows clouds in northern Connecticut obscuring the view of the smoke plume. However, with the thick smoke is visible in southern Connecticut and to our south. Currently, the PM2.5 levels at the surface are in the Unhealthy range and are expected to slowly decrease throughout the day, state health officials said.

Here's what Connecticut's weather experts are saying about the smoky conditions and when we may get some relief

"Smoke is the big weather story again today with low air quality," WTNH News 8 meteorologists said. "The smoke will be swirling over Connecticut at times through Saturday then improving greatly Sunday." (Watch/read the full WTNH News 8 weather forecast here).

WFSB 3 TV meteorologists Mark Dixon with Scot Haney wrote that on Wednesday "we reached levels that haven’t been realized in roughly 20 years!" See related: 19 Surreal Photos Show Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spread Across Northeast

"Today, expect more of the same thanks to the wildfires burning over Eastern Canada, so limit time outside and seek air conditioning," Dixon and Haney wrote, while adding that the air quality should "gradually improve" on the weekend.

"While showers will again be possible Saturday, we are not anticipating a washout… and temps should head back into the 70s for highs. Sunday is certainly the pick of the weekend as it will be drier, brighter, and warmer! Inland, temps should reach or exceed 80; meanwhile at the shoreline top out in the 70s," Dixon and Haney wrote. (Watch/read the full WFSB 3 TV weather forecast here).

Fox 61 TV meteorologists said the air quality conditions Thursday won't be as severe as Wednesday, but it's still unhealthy for hose who have respiratory conditions. "The worst air quality is south and west of Hartford today," Fox 61 meteorologists said. (Read/watch the full Fox 61 weather forecast here).

NBC CT meteorologists wrote, "Areas of smoke persist today with unhealthy levels through the afternoon, but improvement is likely later in the day, this evening and tonight. Friday will be less smoky." (Read/watch the full NBC CT weather forecast here).