Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
It’s Ugly Out There
These Quebec wildfires are unbelievable. In the short time it took me to get to the Post Office this morning, the smoke brought on an asthma attack. Smart drivers are using their headlights; visibility is probably no more than 50 yards.
We’re under the little white circle.
If they catch the guy who lit Quebec, I have some appropriate punishments in mind.
Published in Environment
Slow asphyxiation?
Over a barbecue pit.
Or, you could go the Perilaus of Athens route.
Now that has to be unsettling, if not scary. Take good care, Doug. Prayers for your wellbeing.
I was going to ask you specifically about the smoke given your location. I’m on the Maine coast and it isn’t too bad here but my wife in central Mass said it’s bad.
Why I am not playing outside today.
Funny, I guess I’m just south of the bad part. The sky’s a little hazy but that’s it. There’s sun and shadows. I’m about to go out and mow the lawn, so I’ll see if it makes a difference.
From what I’ve read the fires started in Alberta. A recent map I saw had them in an arc across Canada from the Canadian Rockies down into Quebec. It said an area the size of CT has burned to date. It can’t all be firebugs. It’s also surprising given that I thought Canada’s logging industry did a better forest stewardship that US does now. Keeping the tinder pot underbrush clear.
On the bright side, at least the smoke particles are improving our drought conditions in the northeast. We’ve had a very dry Spring, but over the past several days it’s been regular rain and overcast. The smoke particles do a good job of seeding the clouds. Additionally, I suspect the timing makes the cooling effect on the temperature more pronounced. Here in NH it’s been in the 40s every night since late last week.
Aren’t you going to trace that back to the Yamnaya culture for us?
I had been wondering about that. Unfortunately, it’s still very dry here, despite looking so hazy yesterday that it made a person think “rain.” Fortunately, it has also become rather cool. Presumably the smoke haze has helped it do that.
No. Feel free to take it yourself.
I never shirk when it comes to getting someone else to do my work for me.
This morning sunrise over Manhattan from Jersey City
We are getting some nice sunsets though.
Even here in NJ hundreds of miles away from the fires you can still smell a hint of smoke.
Take care, Doug. Here in central NC it is hazy. They call it a “code orange” air quality. Everything has to have a name now. Like you can’t look out the window and see it’s hazy. 🙄
I’m sure all the local Kryptonians aren’t thrilled about the red sun.
You shouldn’t try observing things for yourself. You could hurt yourself. Leave that job for the experts.
Someone is in rare form today. Had an extra cup of coffee?
Now it’s code “red”! Don’t go out!!!
We drove up from NC the last 2 days and could see the effects shown on the overlay as we drove. We are on the Seacoast of NH and today have ordinary grey cool weather sky. I guess the onshore breeze is keeping smoke inland. Driving through PA the smoke smell was as noticeable as the haze. It made me cranky – the drive through central PA is so pretty and there was no blue sky. It lasted through NY and CT until about Andover, MA on 495, then cleared up as we drove. It started last week when we were driving south – I sneezed all the way through PA and to beginning of VA. Not so hazy but something pungent in the air made me sneezy.
NB: we always take the PA through Gettysburg route south. I’ll take the 30 min longer over whoknowswhat will go on through CT and the never ending construction, NY/NY and the $20 tolls to escape Delaware. It’s a pretty drive and so much calmer.
It is like yellow outside now and it smells like someone is burning leaves. The stink is getting into the house, even with the windows shut.
Dear Canadians, I want reparations.
I will be passing by you in about two hours. Yes, that route is the best. Here is a slight tweak on your PA route. Put Bushkill, PA in your GPS. That will take you down 84 then south through a 20 mile scenic road along the Delaware river. You will go straight towards Gettysburg so you may already be doing this. GPS’s like to send you elsewhere.
Out here in the Mountain West we call all this “August”
It’s quite nice! Built in excuse not to go on a run or otherwise exercise, and every where you go smells like a camp fire. Makes you want to eat smoars!
Dude, look in the mirror. We have offended Gaia and she punishes us. How many coal plants will need to be shut down to make up for this?
Local news reporting visibility so low that there are ground stops at both Newark and LaGuardia airports
Manhattan from JC just moments ago
Someone is always burning in my neighborhood so I wouldn’t notice.
Reminds me of the good old days in Los Angeles.
You should have been in central Minnesota during the summer drought of 1977, when the peat bogs caught fire and kept smoldering until winter snows finally put out the fires. The smell was in the air for months. I feel grimy and dirty again just thinking about it.
From the Merchant Marine Academy grounds on Kings Point, Long Island: