Large fires are taking place in Canada, the likes of which have never been seen before. smoke from the fires in Canada reaches Galicia after traveling thousands of kilometers through the upper atmosphere, although it would only cause a slight decrease in visibility and would not affect air quality.
In this article, we'll tell you in detail how smoke from the Canadian wildfires reaches Galicia and how it affects the region.
The smoke from the fires in Canada reaches Galicia
Meteorological experts have pointed out that very intense fires, like those currently raging in Canada, can lift smoke into the upper layers of the atmosphere. These layers create elevated air currents, known as jet streams. jet streams, which are capable of moving these clouds of smoke over thousands of kilometers. The distance between Canada and Galicia exceeds 5.000 kilometers., which is the distance that particulate matter from the Canadian fires has managed to travel. This phenomenon is related to the jet stream, which plays a crucial role in long-distance smoke dispersal.
Projections made by the CAMS model, which provides air quality forecasts in Europe, reflect the arrival of these particles to the Iberian Peninsula. These particles are very fine and can remain suspended in the air for long periods. According to the Galician Meteorological Service, the first signs of smoke from the fires were detected on Sunday, and Monday was the day with the most smokeFor more details on the impact of these fires, you can consult the article on the impact of forest fires in Canada.
Starting Tuesday, this smoke may cause a slight decrease in visibility and create an impression of a cloudy environment, characterized by a haze-like mist. However, instead of Saharan dust, it is thick smog from the fires in Canada. This phenomenon is also linked to the haze, which can sometimes be confused with smoke from wildfires. Remember that the smoke from Canadian wildfires It also influences the climate of other regions.
At surface level, no change in air mass has been detected, indicating that the smoke will likely gradually dilute and disperse into the atmosphere. Particle concentrations in the rest of Spain will be lower than in Galicia and will barely be noticeable on Wednesday, with Thursday being the day when a front is expected to enter and clear the air. This smoke phenomenon also highlights how the Forest fires will be more dangerous and longer lasting due to global warming.
Impact of fires in Canada
This year, the fires in Canada have been particularly devastating. To date, More than 7,2 million hectares have been burnedThis figure is considerable and almost 24 times larger than the area that burned in Spain last year. Of this area, 1,4 million hectares have been charred in the last week, highlighting the severity of the situation. This high level of fires is also related to the increase in forest fires in the coming years, a phenomenon that is being observed with growing concern.
Weather conditions in Canada, driven in part by climate change, have facilitated the spread of these fires. Experts have warned that due to the combination of higher temperatures y extreme weather patternsas well as a difficulty of forest regeneration after fires, these phenomena are expected to repeat themselves more frequently.
How does smoke affect health and the environment?
The impact of smoke from wildfires on air quality is a cause for concern. Although the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has indicated that air quality in Galicia will not be significantly affected, the smoke can have adverse effects, especially for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Fine smoke particles, known as PM₂,₅, can be harmful to people who suffer from asthma o chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Symptoms may include itchy nose and eyes, a cough with throat irritation, and an increase in medical emergencies for those with respiratory conditions. In this context, it is essential to follow the recommendations on the airborne smoke control and how to manage these episodes. Each smoke event, such as the smoke from fires, must be monitored carefully.
According to health agencies, people with respiratory problems are advised to avoid outdoor physical activity and stay indoors with windows closed when high levels of smoke are detected. This precaution is especially important during events affecting air quality in Galicia and other regions in northwestern Spain.
Meteorological observatories in Galicia have shared satellite images showing the movement of smoke from Canada toward Europe. These images reflect how the smoke has crossed the Atlantic, reaching the Iberian Peninsula and primarily affecting the northwestern autonomous communities, including Galicia, the Basque Country, and Catalonia.
This phenomenon is not new. Although it is an unusual event that causes great surprise, the interaction between atmospheric currents and forest fire emissions on a global scale has been observed in the past. Therefore, understanding the role of climate in forest fires It is vital to evaluate its impact.
As fires continue in Canada and new smoke episodes are reported in Europe, it is essential to stay informed about air conditions and the evolution of these natural phenomena. The use of advanced technology, such as NASA satellite, allows you to follow these events with precision.
The interaction between climate and wildfires is an area of active and critical study for addressing the future challenges posed by climate change. The scientific community will continue to monitor these fires and their effects on the environment and public health, providing vital information for better understanding and managing these events.
It is essential that society pays attention to weather reports and follows the recommendations of health authorities to protect their health during these smoke episodes, which, while not normal, are increasingly interconnected with larger-scale events on the planet.
Why does smoke cross oceans?
The reason smoke can travel long distances across the oceans is due to the dynamics of the atmosphere. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the jet stream o jetstream, which forms at the upper edge of the troposphere due to the thermal contrast between air masses. These currents can reach speeds exceeding 500 km/h and are often more intense during the summer, distributing heat and humidity around the planet.
When wildfires are large enough, like those in British Columbia, smoke can be carried by these powerful currents, carrying particulate matter with it to distant areas such as Europe and, specifically, Galicia. This phenomenon also highlights how climate changes are interconnected globally
This reminds us that climate phenomena are globally interconnected, and what happens in one country can have repercussions in others. Continued observation and analysis of these atmospheric patterns are crucial to better understanding the relationship between wildfires and changes in air quality and public health worldwide.
