Latest news with #smokyair
New York Times
04-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
How the Weather Could Make Your Fireworks Fizzle
If you're planning to light your Whistle Spliffs, cherry bombs, Ghost Rings (with or without the Afterglow Pistil), or a single whistling moon traveler this weekend, you may want to pay close attention to the weather. From thunderstorms and lightning to trapped layers of smoky air, here are the many ways the weather could dampen — or enhance — your fireworks display. Rain: Not a party stopper Though it may make sitting outside waiting for the show miserable, rain, by itself, won't dampen an explosion because fireworks burn so hot. Many local shows around the country will go ahead in the case of rain, but lightning nearby generally means the show will not go on. Some of the biggest professional displays around the country have occasionally been called off. In Washington, D.C., the National Park Service will cancel or delay the fireworks display if there is inclement weather, such as driving rain, high winds, lightning or low-ceiling cloud cover in the area. This year, the nation's capital won't be facing these hurdles. 'We're going to have super weather here in Washington, D.C.,' said Bob Healy, a park ranger. 'There's supposed to be relatively low humidity compared to our heat wave in the prior weeks. Sunny weather, but relatively cool.' Wildfires have a favored holiday More human-caused wildfires were discovered or confirmed around the July 4 holiday than at any other time of the year, according to records dating to 2014. Note: Data as of June 30, 2025. Source: National Interagency Fire Center By John Keefe Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘It's smoky out': Londoners cope with poor air quality
A haze is present in the air across much of southwestern Ontario as forest fire smoke from the west continues to affect air quality. 'It's been poor for the past few days, particularly earlier this morning,' said David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. At 7 a.m. Friday, Environment Canada reported the air quality index had almost reached 10, the maximum score. That's when Pavletic states things get serious. 060625 - smoky air David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards, Middlesex-London Health Unit. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 'The recommendation at that point would be to the general population to reduce activities outdoors and strenuous activities, for sure.' But air quality fluctuates with wind patterns. The unpredictability led some Londoners to be proactive, including senior Pauline Salisbury, who opted to wear a mask on a visit to Cherryhill Village Mall. 'I have a cough, and it's smoky out,' she explained. Another not taking many chances was parent Kiki Charles. She took her son, Elijah, to a city playground while the index was low. 'I wanted to kind of beat the bad weather.' As the pair had fun, she was mindful of advisories warning that children, seniors and those with compromised health face the greatest risk from the smoky air. 'I pay attention to whether or not he's exhausted or dehydrated,' Charles said. Even while indoors, there are safety precautions health officials recommend. They include closing all windows and doors and considering the purchase of a good quality air filter for heating and cooling systems. Not everyone heeds the advice, including Sandy Kirby. 'I read it. I'm careful, but I don't get all frantic about it.' Still, health officials advise that the poor air is expected to linger through the weekend. 060625 - smoky air Pauline Salisbury, opted to wear a mask on Friday. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) That's why Pauline plans to keep her mask on. 'Well, like, I know some friends of mine who have a chronic cough. So, if they see me wearing a mask, then hopefully they will too, and protect themselves.'
