Wildfire Smoke Returns To VA: Here's When It Should Clear Out

VIRGINIA/DC — Smoke from wildfires burning hundreds of miles away in central Canada returned to Virginia and Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather forecasters.

Hazy skies will be at their peak from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

Although forecasters did not issue any alerts across the state, they warned sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease and children and older adults to reduce prolonged or heavy activity outdoors.

Exposure to air pollutants from the wildfire smoke can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throat and increased coughing, according to forecasters.

Residents from Detroit and Pittsburgh to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as New York City, can expect hazy skies again because of the wildfire smoke, according to AccuWeather forecasters.

"In locations across the Great Lakes and Northeast, the most widespread impacts from the smoke will be hazy skies, leading to especially colorful sunrises and sunsets," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. "The majority of the smoke impacting the United States is higher up in the atmosphere, rather than close to the surface."

The good news, however, is that forecasters expect overnight southeast winds to push the plume of smoke out of Virginia by Thursday morning.

The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang noted there would be a smoky haze on Wednesday. Also, Wednesday would be the last day in the current mini-stretch of no chance of rain, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

Thunderstorms are also possible Thursday in Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.

That rain chance will continue into Friday as a cool front approaches. Clouds and rain chances will keep Friday's highs near 80 degrees, according to NBC4.

Forecasters said the ongoing wildfires in central and western Canada are drifting farther north, giving the smoke more time to drift into the atmosphere before reaching Virginia and other parts of the U.S., limiting most health concerns.

Last month, smoke in the air reached unsafe levels that canceled outdoor activities, and hampered visibility at times.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the weekend for Northern Virginia and D.C.:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Wednesday night: Widespread haze before 3 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 70.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 88.