WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Lingering smoke from Independence Day fireworks led to reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality across parts of South Florida early Sunday, with the greatest impacts reported in the Miami metropolitan area and along the Interstate 95 corridor.
How fireworks from America’s 250th anniversary is impacting air quality in South Florida. (WPEC)
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, smoke from widespread Fourth of July fireworks became trapped near the ground overnight as light winds allowed pollutants to remain stagnant. There is an air quality alert in effect for Broward County until 10 a.m.
How fireworks from America’s 250th anniversary is impacting air quality in South Florida. (WPEC)
The most affected areas included metro Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
How fireworks from America’s 250th anniversary is impacting air quality in South Florida. (WPEC)
Air quality ranged from moderate to unhealthy in some locations Sunday morning. Moderate air quality can pose a risk for unusually sensitive individuals, while unhealthy conditions may affect everyone, especially people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.
Calm winds during the overnight and early morning hours prevented the smoke from dispersing, leading to hazy skies and localized reductions in visibility.
Conditions are expected to improve by the late morning as increasing winds help mix the smoke out of the lower atmosphere and disperse lingering pollutants.
Residents who are sensitive to air pollution should limit strenuous outdoor activity until air quality improves.