The smoky conditions today are primarily due to wildfire smoke affecting the region. Intense wildfires, particularly in Canada, have generated smoke that has dispersed widely, impacting air quality across North America. This smoke comprises fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can travel far from the fire sources and cause significant haze and poor air quality. Variations in local winds and weather conditions are also influencing smoke concentrations in different areas today.

Some ongoing wildfires, especially in regions like Washington state and British Columbia, continue to produce smoke that affects nearby communities. Air quality alerts are in place in some areas due to unhealthy levels of smoke. The smoke situation can change hour-by-hour depending on fire activity and wind shifts, so the smoky air experienced today is the result of this dynamic wildfire smoke dispersion.