A thick blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires has covered most of Florida, causing unhealthy air quality and reduced visibility. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that Florida has experienced such extreme smoke conditions. The smoke originated in British Columbia and Alberta and traveled thousands of miles to Eastern Canada before being dragged southward by the remnants of Storm Ophelia. This phenomenon highlights the interconnectedness of the planet and how environmental events in one region can have significant impacts elsewhere.
This year is considered the worst on record for wildfire smoke exposure in the United States, with climate change and decades of aggressive fire suppression policies contributing to the intensification of wildfires. More than 69,000 square miles have been burned by wildfires in Canada so far, which is nine times the average amount and more than 2.5 times the previous worst season on record. These wildfires have worsened in North America due to shifts in seasonal precipitation and increased drought caused by climate change. The smoke in Florida is expected to linger until Wednesday morning before dissipating over the Gulf of Mexico.
While Florida is no stranger to wildfires, experiencing localized smoke events regularly, a statewide smoke event like this is rare. The last comparable event occurred in 1998 during the June and July wildfires that affected parts of the central peninsula. The smoke’s impact on air quality and visibility in Florida highlights the far-reaching consequences of wildfires and the importance of addressing climate change and forest management policies to mitigate their effects.
