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Maps: Tracking Smoke From Canadian Fires
Summary
This article discusses how wildfires in Canada have been sending smoke south to the US, leading to unhealthy air quality in many densely populated areas. The map above shows the predicted location of thick smoke near the surface over the next several hours. There have been over 400 fires actively burning in Canada, with 240 of them burning out of control. The contours in the animated smoke map show estimated concentrations of wildfire smoke near the surface.
Q&As
What is the source of the smoke forecast computer model in the map?
The source of the smoke forecast computer model in the map is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What is the source of the satellite image of the storm system and fires in Canada?
The source of the satellite image of the storm system and fires in Canada is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What is the level of particulate matter in the air from smoke on Wednesday?
The level of particulate matter in the air from smoke on Wednesday was considered unhealthy from Detroit to Philadelphia, according to AirNow.
What is the typical start of fire activity in the United States?
The typical start of fire activity in the United States is usually in May.
What are the three categories of smoke concentration near the surface?
The three categories of smoke concentration near the surface are "light" (2 to 12 micrograms per cubic meter), "moderate" (12 to 40) and "high" (more than 40).
AI Comments
👍 This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current wildfire situation in Canada and the effects it has on air quality in the U.S. The interactive maps and satellite images help visualize the situation and make it easier to understand.
👎 The article fails to provide any solutions to the wildfire problem or any potential long-term effects it might have on air quality.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about how smoke from Canadian fires is impacting air quality in the Northeast United States. The article talks about how the smoke was pushed south and east due to a storm system off the coast of Nova Scotia and how the air quality in some areas is considered unhealthy. They also discuss how fire season in Canada usually starts in May and how there have been few major US fire outbreaks so far this year.
Friend: Wow, that's really concerning. It sounds like the smoke is going to be a problem for the Northeast for a while.
Me: Yeah, it's definitely a cause for concern. Not only is the air quality unhealthy, but it's also impacting visibility in the region. This could be a problem for people with respiratory issues. It's also concerning because it's a sign of how climate change is affecting our environment.
Action items
- Monitor air quality in your area using AirNow and other sources of air quality data.
- Stay informed about the current fire season in Canada and the United States by checking the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System for updates on burned area boundaries and hotspot locations.
- Take steps to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, such as staying indoors and using air purifiers.
Technical terms
- Rapid Refresh Modeling System
- A computer model used to forecast where the thickest smoke is likely to be near the earth’s surface over the next several hours.
- Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre
- An organization that tracks wildfires in Canada.
- AirNow
- A source for air quality data.
- Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
- A system that provides burned-area boundaries and hotspot locations based on satellite data.
- Micrograms per Cubic Meter
- A unit of measurement used to measure the concentration of wildfire smoke near the surface.