Request for info. Here in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, we’ve been under pretty bad smog with burnt plastic smell to it when you go outside since Monday (6/26). At first we thought it would go away the next day, but it’s lingered and found out it extends through much of the mitten (maybe more?). A few people have mentioned it’s from forest fires in Quebec, but they’re well north and east of us. And don’t generally smell like burnt plastic. Anyone have any info to share?
(Note: I’m the middle of a computer update, will respond when I can).
Pinging the rest of known MI FReeQs.
Saginaw Valley input:
Tuesday was quite dense, limiting vision (discernable details) to around 1/4 mile.
Yesterday, not as bad but you could still see it.
Today brings rain and then humidity with a South wind, so it likely won’t be bad.
Odors have ranged from “fresh sawn tree” to “campfire smoke”, i.e., no heavy acrid odors.
I’d suspect the burnt plastic odors came from the industrial influence of Ontario (Windsor and the 410 corridor) and SE Michigan.
Those odors will cling to the particulates.
And it is good opportunity for scofflaws to emit industrial pollutants.
You may find this map interesting.
west Michigan bad and worse today than yesterday. Throat gets sore after even a short time outside and eyes slightly burning.
I’ve seen the noxious chemical smell from the CA forest fires discussed yesterday on TS. No conclusion drawn but many are experiencing it. Same as what you’re smelling? don’t know.... maps show where the smoke is going, and it doesn’t have to be thick visually.
Rain seems to pull it down out of the atmosphere. Any rain in your forecast?