Western fires leave region covered in heavy, smoky haze

05 Sep Western fires leave region covered in heavy, smoky haze

August 23, 2024

The heavy haze that has covered western North Dakota will remain for at least a week, according to a meteorologist with the Bismarck office of the National Weather Service Monday. Even just a mile west of Scranton, the haze gives a ghostly appearance to the small city. Photo by Brad Mosher.

Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and parts of California are having a big impact more than 1,000 miles away in North Dakota.

The same smoky haze which has created colorful sunsets and red-colored moons, will be remaining in the Peace Garden state for at least a week and probably longer, according to meteorologist Matt Johnson of the National Weather Service Bismarck office.

The source of much of the smoke is coming from fires in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and even a few in parts of Montana, he explained. One of the closest is the Deadman Fire in southern Montana west of Ekalaka and near the border with Wyoming. There are wildfires even in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

According to Johnson, the current weather pattern means that the daytime highs will be in the high 80s and low 90s for about the next two weeks, or until the weather pattern changes. “The temperatures will probably stay pretty similar in the upper 80s and lower 90s with some chances of thunderstorms.

“The smoke should be dissipating out of the area…. it’s mainly from the western U.S. It is because of how the jet stream is set up right now.” he said.

In spite of recent rainstorms that hit Bowman County, the area is still experiencing drought conditions.

The amount of rain that the area might be getting would be hard to predict, Johnson said. “It could be a lot or a little. With the storms, you could get quite a bit or just a little shower. It is hard to tell.”

According to the National Weather Service, wildfires could have an impact on air quality, and they can issue watches or warnings when the air quality becomes unhealthful.