A weak cold front dropped southward into Wyoming yesterday, with Canadian high pressure building into the area behind it. Along
with this Canadian high pressure, areas of smoke from Canadian wildfires seeped into the area.
If you are outdoors please be extra cautious and avoid prolonged exposure to smoke.
Western Canada is currently in the grip of a scorching heat wave, causing devastating wildfires and breaking temperature records. About 90 wildfires are raging in Alberta, enveloping the province in thick smoke.
The heat wave, known as an “omega block,” resembles the historic event in 2021 but does not explicitly link to climate change. Thousands have been displaced, oil extraction operations are affected, and long-term forecasts predict a smoky summer. The heat wave has set new temperature records in Alberta and neighboring provinces.
The wildfires pose fire risks, lead to evacuations, and impact energy prices. Satellite imagery shows vast areas burned, and smoke has spread across North America. The heat wave also causes rapid snowmelt, resulting in simultaneous floods and fires. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist.
