Every cloud has a silver lining! And we are hoping that the dark clouds will clear the smoky haze.
The active Canadian wildfires are aggravating the effects of smoke, haze, burning smells, and pollutants. This unhealthy layer has not only engulfed Canada but also traveled to the USA.
Several cities, including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Nebraska, Detroit, and more, were put on red alert following complaints of breathing problems, uneasiness, and smelling burning wood.
Obscured streets and yellow-tinted skies are not some Instagram-worthy aesthetics; these are potential threats to the citizens. Just yesterday, Chicago declared a high alert on recording the worst air quality in the USA, hovering at an unhealthy Air Quality Index of over 200. Michigan and Ohio also recorded dangerous levels of air pollutants and warm air.
People have been trapped in their homes for weeks now, hoping for the skies to clear soon. But the state also warned about the prolonged smoke resulting because of the “out-of-control” fires in Quebec and Ontario.
Thankfully, experts believe that the rainy season might bring a breath of fresh air.
Why Is the Air Clean After Rain?
Most cities observed high air pollution with PM 2.5– which means the fine particles in the air are around 2.5 microns in dimension. Such fine dust can easily enter one’s body and probably affect the immune system. This may lead to suffocation or even allergies. In extreme cases, such polluted air has a high risk of causing bronchitis.
However, heavy rains can lead to a process called COAGULATION: Fine dust particulates fuse into particles of considerable size. The rain precipitation takes these suspended particles down to the ground. As the dust particles settle down, the air becomes clearer.
Is Air After Rain Healthy? Does Rain Remove Dust?
The air does get healthier after a solid rainfall. Here’s how:
WET DEPOSITION:
Any atmospheric hydrometeors such as cloud and fog drops, rain, and snow can remove the dust materials from the air that are the leading cause of pollution and transfer it to the surface of Earth. This phenomenon is also called precipitation scavenging since the water from these hydrometeors physically scavenges the fine matter from the air. The effects of the smoky layer are considerably reduced, making the air healthy again.
The direction of the wind also determines whether the air will get clearer. As per the weather forecast, the winds are estimated to shift into the west/southwest direction by the latter half of Friday into Saturday. The smoke and haze are expected to steer away from most regions of Canada, breathing a sigh of relief after a long time.
What to do When Air Quality Is Bad?
If the air quality is still deteriorating, a few precautionary measures might help–
- Wearing masks while going out.
- Carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated. It also reduces the effects of breathing in the smoky air.
- Using HVAC systems in the house helps in purifying the air.
- Dusting the house regularly.
- Using a humidifier if the dry air persists at home.
- Only stepping out of the house when absolutely needed.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe the rain will clear out the skies? Or the insufficient rains might not be fruitful?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
