Where Is All This Smoke In Sioux Falls Coming From?

If you've stepped outside in Sioux Falls lately and noticed hazy skies, reduced visibility, or the smell of smoke in the air, you're not imagining things.

The smoky conditions aren't coming from local fires; they're drifting in from massive wildfires burning hundreds of miles away.

The smoke and hazy skies in Sioux Falls are primarily drifting down from massive wildfires burning across western Canada (particularly Alberta and British Columbia) and parts of the western United States, such as Oregon.

According to the Watch Duty App, there are numerous fires burning in the western parts of the United States.

U.S. Fires: Watch Duty App

Strong upper-level winds have been carrying smoke from large wildfires in Canada into the Upper Midwest, including eastern South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, and northwest Iowa.

While the fires are far away, the smoke can travel incredible distances and settle near the ground, creating the hazy conditions many residents are seeing.

Depending on wind patterns, the amount of smoke can change throughout the day.

Some mornings may look especially foggy, but it's actually smoke hanging close to the surface before mixing out later in the afternoon.

For most healthy people, the smoke may simply be an annoyance. However, those with asthma, heart disease, COPD, young children, older adults, and anyone with other respiratory conditions should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity when air quality declines.

If the air smells especially smoky or visibility is noticeably reduced, it may be a good day to exercise indoors instead.