Richmond, VA – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is streaming back into Virginia today, casting a hazy filter across much of the state without impacting surface air quality.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, the smoke is confined to upper levels of the atmosphere and poses no significant risk to public health. The haze will be visible through Tuesday evening, particularly across central and eastern Virginia, including Richmond, Norfolk, and Williamsburg.
Temperatures are warming into the low-to-mid 80s this afternoon, with low humidity and mostly sunny skies. While the smoke may create an eerie tint to the sunlight, officials stress there’s no need for outdoor activity restrictions as the particulate matter remains elevated and well above breathing levels.
Drivers may notice reduced visibility near sunrise and sunset, but no travel delays are expected. Those sensitive to pollutants are still advised to monitor conditions through Wednesday, as winds may shift patterns later in the week.
The warming trend continues into Wednesday, with highs pushing toward the upper 80s. No air quality alerts have been issued, but the NWS will continue to monitor smoke plume movement.
