Will Today’s Rain Wash the Smoke Out of Alexandria?
Thunderstorms could bring welcome relief after two days of smoky skies—but the improvement may be temporary.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – If you’ve been hoping Mother Nature would give Alexandria a breath of fresh air, today may be your best chance.
Forecasters are calling for showers and thunderstorms across the region this afternoon and evening. Besides bringing relief from the heat, today’s rain could help clear some of the wildfire smoke that has blanketed Alexandria since Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office, smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to remain over the region through much of Saturday before thunderstorms develop later in the day.
Meteorologists say rain acts as a natural air filter. As raindrops fall, they collect some of the tiny smoke particles suspended in the atmosphere and carry them to the ground. That often results in cleaner air, improved visibility, and less of the campfire smell many Alexandrians noticed over the past two days.
The relief, however, may not last.
If winds continue carrying smoke south from the Canadian wildfires, additional haze could move back into Northern Virginia after the storms pass.
Alexandria has already experienced the effects of the smoke this week. On Friday, the City of Alexandria closed its outdoor pools and moved some summer camp activities indoors after the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a Code Purple Air Quality Alert, warning that air pollution had reached levels considered “very unhealthy.”
Today’s rain could leave behind one more reminder of the smoky skies.
Don’t be surprised if you notice a light coating of dust or grime on your car, patio furniture or outdoor table after the storms. Sometimes called “dirty rain,” the phenomenon occurs when falling raindrops capture soot, ash and other fine particles before reaching the ground.
While the rain may improve air quality, the storms themselves could become the day’s biggest weather story. The National Weather Service says some thunderstorms may produce heavy downpours, gusty winds and frequent lightning. Residents with outdoor plans should monitor the forecast and head indoors if storms approach.
A Welcome Change
Most people don’t root for thunderstorms in the middle of July.
But after two days of eerie orange sunrises, hazy skylines and the unmistakable smell of wildfire smoke drifting through Alexandria, today’s rain may be one storm many residents are happy to see.
Whether it completely clears the air remains to be seen. But if the forecast holds true, Alexandria could finally get a chance to breathe a little easier.
