Smoky air across the Midwest is just the most recent example of weather effects impacting multiple states in the past several years. The fires, which are in Canada, are carrying smoke to people in the Midwest and portions of the upper north. New York was hit pretty fiercely with some of the wildfire smoke a few weeks ago.
We also encountered some of the particulate in the area in early June during another cold front. This batch, however, has definitely brought with it far more concerns. The particulates were heavier in the air in the Midwest with this weather pattern, forcing those with underlying conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma or other breathing difficulties to try to limit time outdoors for their own health. Tuesday’s skies were also particularly hazy and really impacted the visibility and air quality for much of the state.
This smoke is just one item that has impacted multiple communities.
We’ve encountered stronger and more severe thunderstorms, the last hitting our area in late March/early April and doing damage to the golf course, Mount Vernon cemetery and areas of Lisbon as a low category tornado developed from a super cell storm. That storm continued through Illinois and Wisconsin and generated multiple tornadoes and damage. We’ve experienced a derecho, or multiple derechoes in past years as well.
This summer, many farmers and growers will tell you we’re definitely experiencing drought-like conditions, and the grass in areas of town indicate that lack of moisture is not just seen on farms. That drought is also extending with pretty far reaches as well.
And through it all, we as Iowans continue to prevail. We reschedule or cancel outdoor activities as advised by public health, especially if we have conditions exacerbated by particulates. We wear masks to help filter the air. We strive to survive.
Just another challenge we hardy folk in Iowa and the Midwest find ways to handle.
Sun Editorial – Smoke is just the latest thing making us hardy in the Midwest
July 6, 2023