(WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia) – In an unprecedented event, wildfires in Quebec have led to a surge in smoke pollution across the eastern United States, with air quality plunging to record lows. The dense smoke has not only impaired visibility and threatened public health, but it has also significantly impacted solar power generation in the region.
The smoke from the Quebec fires, considered to be one of the most intense outbreaks witnessed in the eastern U.S. in decades, has been brought to the U.S. surface level due to unique weather patterns. Typically, the smoke from such fires is carried east and out to sea, but a persistent coastal low near Prince Edward Island in June 2023 steered the smoke south into the United States, with smoke pouring into areas like New York and Pennsylvania1.
The pollution has been particularly severe in New York, where the air quality index for PM 2.5 surpassed 175 on June 6, exceeding the previous record of 167 from 2002. On the following day, the D.C. region joined New York City in experiencing some of its most smoke-polluted air in the past 25 years1.
Such dense smoke at ground level is a rarity in the eastern U.S., causing noticeable optical effects on sunlight due to the scattering and absorption of shorter wavelengths by smoke particles. This has resulted in muted red sunrises and sunsets, and in extreme cases, the sun can become entirely obscured1.
The smoke’s effects have extended beyond air quality and visibility. Solar power generation in parts of the eastern U.S. has plummeted by more than 50% due to the smoke blanket. Solar farms powering New England have been producing 56% less energy at times of peak demand compared with the week before. Even across the territory serviced by PJM Interconnection LLC, which spans Illinois to North Carolina, solar electricity generation was down about 25% from the previous week2.
The impact on solar energy production underscores the potential risks of heavy reliance on solar power without adequate backup or diversified energy sources. Such a drastic drop in power generation could pose significant challenges to power grids and create energy supply instability if not properly managed.
NASA satellites are closely monitoring the event, collecting data on how smoke particles affect light absorption and reflection in the atmosphere while also observing the smoke height. These observations will be crucial in understanding the environmental impact of such intense smoke outbreaks and informing future wildfire management strategies1.
Scientists and environmentalists are keeping a close watch on the situation, which, apart from its immediate impacts, also raises pressing questions about climate change, energy security, and the future of sustainable living in the face of escalating wildfire events.
