Nearby wildfire smoke reduces air quality- Smoke Forecast
A wildfire in Bedford county is leading to a smoky smell and poor air quality
(WHSV) - We have a First Alert Weather Day for Friday because of the poor air quality and smoke across the area. This means you may want to pay a little more close attention to the forecast. With a wildfire things can change quickly based on fire behavior. An air quality is in alert for the Valley Friday, limit time outside if possible especially for those in sensitive groups.
A wildfire is burning near the Bedford/Rockbridge County line. This is just east of Natural Bridge. Winds are out of the south bringing more smoke and haze into the area.
The haze will stick around through Friday evening, November 17th and then it will improve with a wind shift behind the front overnight Friday.
The fire began on Sunday, November 12, and as of Friday is 2% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
SMOKE AND HAZE FORECAST
Here’s a look at the smoke forecast for the next few days. This is subject to change based on the fire but winds are expected to shift overnight Friday behind a cold front reducing the influx of smoke.
Southerly winds are dragging that smoke northward. The fire grew to over 5,000 acres as of the latest update Friday.
RELIEF FROM THE SMOKE
We do have a cold front coming in Friday night which will lead to a wind shift. This wind shift out of the northwest Friday night will give us a break in the smoke and haze for the weekend. However, with the wind for the weekend and lowering relative humidity values, plus the ongoing drought- the fire danger will be high for Saturday and Sunday, potentially into Monday next week.
AIR QUALITY
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