Wildfires burning in the western United States and southern Canada are sending smoke high into the atmosphere. The upper-level wind direction is helping spread the smoke from the wildfires into the Ohio Valley.

What You Need To Know

  • Wildfires are buring in the western United States and southern Canada

  • The smoke drifts east and south due to upper-level winds

  • You probably notice a haze in the sky

  • Air quality is not impacted this time

You may have noticed a hazy or milky look to the sky over the last few days. That is because wildfire smoke is lingering high in the atmosphere above us.

The smoke is high in the atmosphere so you will not smell the smoke and it will not impact the air quality at the ground.

The Louisville sunsets have recently had a vivid orange look, making for a stunning display.

This phenomenon occurs due to Rayleigh scattering. Sunsets already feature longer wavelengths with reds and oranges. Wildfire smoke enhances this appearance because more particulates are in the atmosphere to be scattered back into our eyes due to the smoke. This can make for some amazing sunsets with bright oranges and reds, especially if there are cirrus clouds in the sky.

A cold front will sweep through the state, gradually clearing out the smoke and increasing showers and thunderstorms.

Wildfire smoke may become more common in our sky as climate change continues and hotter, drier periods worsen and prolong wildfires.