Air quality degrades due to wildfire smoke, experts say it could stick around thru October

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Much like weather forecasting, air quality is directly affected by weather - surface winds, winds aloft, troughs and ridges.

Air pollution - in this case, wildfire smoke - is easily transported from one area to another.

And experts with the Department of Environmental Quality tell me that these smoky conditions could stick around this summer and into fall.

Idaho is approaching record dry conditions.

At the same time, the drought is fueling fires across the West.

This is especially concerning as forest fires are longer-lasting, more damaging, and harder to control.

"We kind of knew it was coming with the drought and dry conditions," explains AirShed Coordinator for the Idaho DEQ, Mike O'Toole. "Unfortunately wildfires are kind of a norm for our area, not only for Idaho but our surrounding area as well."

This is a look at goes satellite imagery today.

Smoke is blanketing the entire West Coast and pushing east, as far as Wyoming.

"What we are currently seeing is both regional and local impacts from wildfire smoke," O'Toole explains. "Obviously northern California has fires, Oregon and northern Idaho."

With hundreds of wildfires ranging in size and activity across the west coast - HERE is a look at current wildfires courtesy of INCI-Web.

But how exactly do experts at the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality forecast these smoky conditions?

That comes down to a simple combination - smoke and fire activity modeling, and meteorology.

"Our air quality is predominately affected by our weather patterns," O'Toole explains. "Weather is greatly important to us. So when it comes to fires it is difficult. In short term, it can be difficult to get the full grasp."

Mike O'Toole is the Airshed Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

"Right now we are concerned about particulate matter and ozone," O'Toole explains.

Causing concern for those with sensitive lungs and summer recreationists

"For long term, it's more of a 'well we are going to see this for a while," O'Toole explains. "You know at what level it's hard to tell and it will fluctuate daily and ebb and flow."

That's why O'Toole's job is essential.

The DEQ monitors in both real-time and daily averages.

Right now, the Treasure Valley is sitting in the moderate category which is expected to continue.

But O'Toole says we remain on the higher end, meaning those with sensitive lungs need to be aware.

And outdoor exposure should remain limited.

Wildfire smoke can be particularly harmful for sensitive groups including people with lung and cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, children, and older people.

But with this deepening drought - what about long term wildfire smoke forecasting and it's impacts?

"Long term, we do know that with drought conditions and the weather patterns we are expecting still a lot of potential for dry lightning and low humidity," O'Toole explains. "The weather could be just perfect for starting new fires. It could potentially get worse and we could see smoke through October on some of these fires."

As these conditions are set to continue, O'Toole says to be aware. Daily forecasts are available as the smoke shows no end in sight for the time being.

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