Why Is It So Smokey In Iowa Today?

You'll notice it's a bit hazy outside.

Now that it's finally cooled off for a lot of Iowa, it's not without issues. The Iowa DNR warns that air quality issues are affecting the entire state.

Iowa's air measurements will exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for today and tomorrow.

This is because wildfires in northwestern Canada. The smoke is expected to stay around for several days until a weather system pushes it out.

According to KWQC, for us in Iowa, the smoke may get so dense you can smell it. If you're sensitive to that kind of air, it's recommended that you stay inside for a bit to let the smoke pass.

The Iowa DNR says that wildfire smoke has large amounts of particulates and gases that are ozone precursors and can lead to overexceeding the amounts for National Ambient Air Quality Standards in both ozone and fine particulate matter.

Groups that might be sensitive to the smokey conditions are those who have heart or lung disease, older adults, teenagers and kids, and outdoor workers.

But the Iowa DNR says that air quality levels will probably reach a point that even healthy adults shouldn't be outside.

As for when all of this is going to subside and we won't see smoke anymore, you can keep up with the latest weather from KWQC and find the links to real-time air quality maps on Iowa DNR's website.

The good news is that it will be lovely weather once the smoke lifts. Highs will be in the 70's and sunny.