On Tuesday, the haze from the ongoing Canadian wildfires was visible from as far north as Vero Beach. It’s not due to overcast conditions in South Florida; rather, it’s the smoke that has traveled a considerable distance.
Meteorologist Luke Dorris provided an explanation for the lingering haze.
“We have high pressure over the Eastern U.S., there is low pressure out over the Atlantic (Ocean), that creates a funnel that drives that smoke all the way down to us,” said Dorris.
At Hollywood Beach, the usually vibrant turquoise water appeared almost colorless.
“Our Coconut Creek monitor is reading the highest,” Monica Pognon, Broward County’s natural resources director, stated. “That plume went off shore, and it stayed off shore for a little bit and then it came down the coast line, didn’t impact land until it comes to Florida.”
The county has maintained an air monitoring initiative since 1969, featuring automated 24/7 monitoring stations spread across the entire county.
Pognon said that “It’s at a very, very, small particle that can get inside of your lungs and it can cause irritation.”
This can pose a risk for specific individuals.
Dr. Ade Bamgboye with HCA Northwest Hospital Margate told that, “People with COPD, asthma, pregnant women, the elderly, babies, toddlers, children.”
Dr. Bamgboye pointed out that smoke pollution worsens certain health conditions, so he suggests staying indoors as a precaution.
“If you must go out and you see visible smoke or you’re in distress, use a mask,” Bamgboye said.
