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West coast wildfires are changing Michigan sunsets

By and Jack Nissen
Published  September 15, 2022 11:43am EDT
Wildfires
FOX 2 Detroit

Why west coast wildfires cause immaculate sunsets in Michigan

People may notice that sunsets in Michigan have been particularly amazing this week. There's a reason for that - but it requires knowing what's happening across the country to understand.

(FOX 2) - People can expect Michigan sunsets to be even prettier for the next few days

The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that have been glowing brighter than usual this week are because of wildfires that are burning on the other side of the country. The smoke generated from nearly a hundred wildfires in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon is being blown across the U.S. after rising high enough to be caught in the jet stream. 

The particulate matter then distorts the rays of the sun.

The hazy sunshine that's poking through happens when smoke that rises into the upper atmosphere then descends over the Great Lakes. 

It generates a vivid-looking sky as the sun goes down since the smoke particles scatter the incoming light, letting some wavelengths through and bouncing others back into space. 

MORE: Box turtles, bumblebees, and long-eared owls recommended for Michigan endangered species list

Sometimes if the smoke is so thick, the sun can be completely blotted out.

According to Accuweather, which did a write-up about the effects of the smoke on sunlight, the changing conditions of the weather may also generate more rain in states further in the middle of the country.