Wildfire Smoke Forecast 6/24/2021

This morning, scattered cloud cover can be seen over parts of northern Arizona, including over the Backbone Fire. Cloud cover is forecast to be patchy throughout the day. Any cloud cover that forms over the fire will assist in tempering fire activity and help slow its growth. Today there will another chance for light rain showers (up to 0.05″). Winds are forecast to be light and variable at the surface which should allow for the smoke build-up to rise and disperse toward the east-northeast so long as clouds remain sparse. With the potential for outflows from developing thunderstorms this afternoon into evening, gusty winds are possible to occur.

If clouds begin to dominate the sky above the Backbone Fire, smoke will not rise and disperse high off the ground. With the reduced smoke yesterday, there shouldn’t be any lingering smoke that would increase impacts to our forecast areas. Also, the previously stated variable winds could cause smoke to move in any direction. Similar to previous days, light to moderate impacts may be possible in Camp Verde throughout the day. Then overnight, Pine will likely continue to see moderate to heavy impacts, given its proximity to the fire. Payson will likely see light to moderate impacts throughout today.

Tomorrow, clear skies will be the main story around the fire. Winds will remain out of the west-southwest but have less chance of variability with little to no thunderstorm potential. With calmer/sunnier conditions, fire activity is expected to pick up again. Smoke should continue to mainly disperse toward the east-northeast throughout the day. Any smoke that settles overnight could cause more moderate to heavy impacts in Pine due to its proximity to the fire.

If you are in an area with heavy impacts, the suggested actions to take are (if possible): close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities.

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