Smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted south into the St. Louis metro prompting air quality alerts and creating hazy conditions. 

What You Need To Know

  • A wind shift caused Canadian wildfire smoke to stream into the St. Louis area Tuesday night

  • Air Quality Alert for Wednesday

  • Code Orange for sensitive groups

As the winds shifted on Tuesday evening, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires began streaming into the St. Louis area prompting residents to question one another, asking why the sky appeared so hazy and if the air smelled funny.

By Wednesday morning, visibilities were reduced to 2 – 4 miles making for a hazy commute.

 

.

 

Air Quality Alert

The smoke in the air created unhealthy air quality levels and an Air Quality Alert and Code Orange Day. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged exposure to the outside air.

 

 

 

While driving, keep windows closed and use the recirculated air button to keep outside air from entering.

As winds shift to a southerly component midday Wednesday, the smoke should retreat northeast giving way to clearing skies for the afternoon.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.