Utah’s air quality worsens, but there is an end in sight

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s air quality has plummeted to unhealthy levels this week. 

 

The culprit? Wildfire smoke. 

“We had a cold front move through yesterday, so that changed our winds to come in from the northwest… [bringing] in a strong concentration of wildfire smoke from Idaho,” said KSL Meteorologist Devan Masciulli. 

Related: More smoke coming to northern Utah from Idaho wildfires

Wednesday, northern Utah saw most of the smoke. But it will continue to shift further south. 

“Utah County and other parts of Central Utah will begin to see the haziness, the smoky skies and reduced air quality,” Masciulli said. 

Overnight, the winds will shift again, pushing the wildfire smoke to western Utah. 

“It’s also going to help diminish the concentration of wildfire smoke,” Masciulli said, meaning smoky skies will lessen as the days go on. 

Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality Bryce Bird says these next few days, it’s important to exercise caution. 

“It is unhealthy for everyone right now, so I would encourage people to avoid heavy exertion outdoors, move activities indoors where you can,” he said.  

Read more: 

• University of Utah helping schools achieve better indoor air quality
• Study says inhaling wildfire smoke can increase risk of dementia