A blue sky may be a rare sight across the Finger Lakes and much of the Northeast this summer. AccuWeather meteorologists say wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to repeatedly push into the region through at least August.
Smoke already present in the upper atmosphere is creating hazy conditions, reducing UV exposure, and slightly lowering daytime temperatures. Experts say the smoky skies will be a frequent sight this summer due to persistent fires burning across Canada, which have already scorched over 7 million acres—well above average for this time of year.
Northeast and Great Lakes in smoke’s path
AccuWeather’s long-range outlook places the Finger Lakes and the broader Northeast in a “moderate” impact zone for wildfire smoke. That zone now stretches from New York to parts of the Midwest, including Chicago.
Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham says this week brings another wave of smoke as winds carry particulates southward.
“Another southward press of Canadian wildfire smoke is underway, blanketing the sky with hazy conditions,” he explained.
While a brief reprieve is expected later this week thanks to rainfall in western and central Canada, experts say the effect will be temporary.
Haze reduces temperatures — but not risk
Though the smoke can dim sunlight and slightly reduce temperatures during the day, it doesn’t eliminate the need for sun protection.
“UV rays can still reach the surface even when skies appear milky,” said Buckingham. “Sunscreen is still necessary.”
At night, the trapped heat can keep temperatures elevated. And when smoke descends closer to the ground, it can cause significant health risks including irritation to the eyes, lungs and nose — especially for sensitive groups.
Not just a western problem
While many associate wildfire smoke with the western U.S., AccuWeather Lead Wildfire Smoke Expert Dr. Boris Quennehen says the Northeast is now routinely affected.
“Smoke from wildfires can be transported across large distances and impact remote areas,” said Dr. Quennehen. “New York state has seen elevated pollution levels in the past from wildfires burning thousands of miles away.”
Quennehen’s team has upgraded AccuWeather’s air quality model this year to improve forecasting precision, especially during extreme wildfire events.
No clear end in sight
Long stretches of deep blue skies may not return to the region until late summer or even early fall.
“As long as Canadian fires continue to burn, and warm, dry conditions persist, the risk of hazy, smoke-filled skies remains elevated,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok.
With more than 130 active fires burning across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and beyond, the threat of prolonged air quality issues is very real.
What to expect in the Finger Lakes and Northeast:
- More frequent haze and milky skies on otherwise sunny days
- Reduced UV radiation and slightly cooler afternoons
- Periods of smoky smell and irritation when smoke sinks to surface levels
- Possible “ozone action” or air quality alert days on stagnant, sunny days
- Two to three-day stretches of dry, warm weather between storm systems
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.