Wildfire Smoke Is Causing Sinus Issues in the Midwest
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Mold and pollen counts may be high in most of the Midwest right now, but if your sinuses have been an extra hot mess the last few weeks, smoke in the atmosphere from the Northwest wildfires may also be the reason for all your sneezin'.
Earlier this week I came across an article talking about how heavy smoke in the atmosphere is causing sinus problems for people who are sensitive to air pollutants in Illinois and Wisconsin. (Totally me)
The story I read came out of the Madison area, so I turned to the Rockford authority for all things weather, First Warn Weather Center Chief Meteorologist Candice King, to give us the skinny the effect of wildfire smoke in the Stateline. Here is what she said;
The smoke from the wildfires has actually been impacting much of the country for quite some time. As the smoke rises to the jet stream level (over 20,000 -30,000ft) it becomes caught within the jet stream winds, moving wherever the jet stream goes. Most times the smoke remains in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere, causing the hazy/smoky look we have noticed recently. But if conditions are right and the air is sinking towards the surface, then the smoke can be brought down to the surface. This is when we notice the haze closer to the ground and can sometimes actually smell smoke in the air. Those who are a little more sensitive to pollutants in the air may be more sensitive on days where there are higher levels of smoke in the atmosphere.
The silver lining of this smoky situation is that right now Illinois' level is "low", so now we only have to worry about pollen, mold and all the allergy loveliness that comes with the Fall.
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