Whiteside County, IL, skies were hazy, and the sun was unusually dim by 3:00, on Monday, September 14, 2020. After multiple days of cold and rain, this should have been a sunny respite, blessed by fluffy white clouds strewn across azure skies. Unfortunately, wrathful winds from the West Coast have smeared dense clouds of smoke as far northeast as Wisconsin. Deadly wildfires in Oregon, Washington, and northern California are responsible for 33 known deaths, as of today.
Howling winds caused extensive fire destruction. Now of great concern is the cooler, moist air, because that suspends ash and particulates in the atmosphere. This unprecedented, “dirty air” is dangerous!
The Editor took the top photo in her yard just before 3:00 p.m., on Hazel Road, Morrison, IL. The lower one was sent by her son from San Diego, CA, three minutes later. His ominous sky reflects tempestuous flames burning ten miles north, in Miramar. Active fires are 19 miles due east, in Jamul. Much larger blazes in Los Angeles are 120 miles north.
KWQC TV 6 Meteorologist Kevin Phelps reported this morning about haziness in the sky. Click here to read local weather reports about when the smoke arrived; its scope in our area; how long it should last; what weather condition will cause the change. Phelps cautioned those who have breathing difficulties or sensitivities to particulates in smoke to stay indoors.
