SYRACUSE, NY — Smoke from Canadian wildfires moved back into Central New York this morning, putting an Air Quality Alert in effect and pushing conditions into the unhealthy range for sensitive people and, later, the general public.
Forecasters said the worst of the smoke should be limited to the morning through midday before a cold front sweeps in from the northwest. That front is expected to help clear the air, but it also raises the chance for thunderstorms and some severe weather this afternoon and evening.
What the smoke means for today
By midmorning, air quality was in the yellow to orange range with red air expected to move in from the west. When levels reach the red zone, the air is unhealthy for everyone, and people with breathing or heart conditions should stay inside as much as possible.
The smoke should thin out later today as winds shift and showers develop. The incoming weather system should help move the smoky air out, but it will also bring a quick change in temperature, lower humidity and a breezier feel by tonight.
Storms could turn severe this afternoon
The severe thunderstorm risk is rated enhanced, or level 3 out of 5, a category forecasters said does not come around often in Central New York. The main timing runs from noon to 7 p.m., moving from north to south across the region…