Wildfire smoke creates reduced air quality for Kentuckians [Video]

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Residents across south central Kentucky have likely noticed a distinct haze in the atmosphere and unusually vibrant sunsets, a direct result of wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada.

The smoke, carried by shifting weather patterns, has pushed smoke particles into much of the United States, impacting air quality and potentially posing minor health concerns.

The microscopic smoke particles, measuring a mere 2.5 microns, are currently suspended overhead. This measurement helps determine the concentration of smoke within a given area or region.

While the air quality in south central Kentucky has remained in the “good” to “moderate” categories, neighboring areas, particularly along the Great Lakes and into Wisconsin, experienced significantly decreased air quality yesterday, with some parts of Wisconsin reaching “unhealthy” levels.

Prolonged exposure to the smoke or poor air quality can lead …