Over the past week, Americans have been treated to the sight of an exceptionally vibrant red sun, resulting in stunning photographs. However, the cause behind this phenomenon is far from pleasant.
The striking change in color is directly linked to the presence of 84 ongoing wildfires in various parts of Canada, particularly in Alberta, MailOnline reported. This crimson hue is expected to persist for several more days as smoke emanating from these relentless fires has traveled an astonishing distance of up to 2,000 miles, forming a hazy veil that engulfs the sun and gives it an intense fire engine red appearance.
Air Quality Deemed Unhealthy
Residents in different areas such as New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, and Iowa have all had the opportunity to witness the unusual blood-red Sun.
Meteorologists have explained that smoke particles are being carried across the United States by a jet stream that is blowing into the northeastern regions. As a result, air quality has significantly deteriorated in these areas, posing concerns for residents' well-being.
The sun's flaming red hue is caused by smoke particles screening away shorter wavelengths of light, leaving only red and orange wavelengths to show through. Furthermore, the sun appears to be weaker as a result of the dense smoke drifting in from Canada.
The wildfires in Western Canada have ravaged nearly a million acres, primarily in Northwest Alberta Province. As a precautionary measure, more than 30,000 individuals have already evacuated the affected areas to escape the fires. These wildfires were sparked by a combination of abnormally dry spring conditions and a heatwave.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Montana has classified the air quality as 'very unhealthy' and advises people to stay indoors whenever possible. A similar warning has been issued for eastern Colorado. The advisory cautions individuals with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, young children, and the elderly to remain indoors if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods.
Utah's Department of Environmental Quality has also warned that air quality will remain 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' until Monday. However, the NWS in New York has stated that the smoke is drifting at altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet and is unlikely to pose health issues to individuals with respiratory ailments in the northeastern United States.
While Canadians continue to battle the wildfires, Americans have been witnessing red-hued sunrises and sunsets for over a week, serving as a visual reminder of the ongoing fires.
Wildfires in Western Canada This Week
Western Canada has been experiencing a weather pattern characterized by dry and warm conditions, which has fueled the ongoing wildfires. AccuWeather reported that the region has been facing drought conditions, with a significant portion of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan considered very dry. Record-breaking high temperatures have also been recorded throughout the area.
However, a major shift in the weather pattern is anticipated. Meteorologists predict a transition from hot and dry conditions to cool and very wet weather. A storm system is expected to bring several days of rainfall to eastern British Columbia and central Alberta.
The amount of rain forecasted is unusually high for this time of year, with most areas expected to receive 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm), and up to 4 inches (100 mm) possible in west-central Alberta.
While the rain will provide much-needed relief to the wildfire-stricken regions, there is a risk of localized flash flooding, particularly in areas affected by the fires or in urbanized low-lying regions. Despite the potential challenges associated with heavy rainfall, the overall impact of the rain is expected to be beneficial for the affected areas.
RELATED ARTICLE: US Wildfires: 12 Western States Affected by High Alert Wildfire, What Caused the Bootleg Fire?
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