There's a wildfire that continues to grow in northern Bedford County (think between Lynchburg and Lexington) that's blanketed the Valley in dense smoke. 0% contained and over 1,000 acres burned so far, and forecasted winds from the south over the next few days aren't likely to help in Harrisonburg. Something to be aware of for the weekend if you'll be in town.

There was supposed to be rain forecast, but doesn't appear to rain until early next week.
While it'll be nice to have no rain, it won't help in terms of the smoke. Hopefully the smoke will go more to the east, but it's definitely a concern.

Winds are forecast to shift from the SSW to WNW by the weekend. Should keep the smoke away for the game/CGD.

One of our neighbors to the West burning a couch in their front yard again?

Hahaha. WVU is known for a lot of things but couch burning is certainly top 3.

(11-15-2023 12:45 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  Winds are forecast to shift from the SSW to WNW by the weekend. Should keep the smoke away for the game/CGD.

Just as long as the “dog food smell” doesn’t waft through H’Burg on CGD I’m good.

Let's hope they can control the smoke on the field from fireworks for team entrance @ game. That was annoying @ Homecoming game.

The wind that day was basically non-existent.

It was perfectly fine this morning, and then bam, smoke everywhere. Before I saw the update on the source, I was concerned a new fire had sparked up somewhere in the GW forest. It's still pretty hazy.

(11-15-2023 03:36 PM)JMUSkinsfan Wrote:  It was perfectly fine this morning, and then bam, smoke everywhere. Before I saw the update on the source, I was concerned a new fire had sparked up somewhere in the GW forest. It's still pretty hazy.

A little rain Friday to clear the air might be a welcome thing.

Was down at the AUBC for the WBB game this evening and the smoke was bad as soon as I got on I81 from I66 and all the way down to Harrisonburg. Could see it in the air and it was a very strong smell. Gave me a bad headache. Hope it clears somewhat in time for Saturdays game and CGD

Brian

Air quality seems to be a bit better today. I don't smell any smoke when I go outside down here a bit south of Harrisonburg.

Driving from Harrisonburg to Bridgewater an hour ago it was awful.

(11-16-2023 08:42 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  Driving from Harrisonburg to Bridgewater an hour ago it was awful.

Interesting haha. I am near Bridgewater and skies look clear, but these smoke plumes have a mind of their own, it could be bad 10 miles in any direction from me.

Hopefully the cold front gets through early Saturday morning, winds are forecasted to shift to northwesterly by late morning but would be nice if that happens earlier. McAfee show on Friday could be rough though.

There’s a new fire on Afton mountain between Charlottesville and Waynesboro that started within the last few hours. They’re working hard to contain it, so hopefully it doesn’t get much worse.

(11-16-2023 04:09 PM)CvilleDukes Wrote:  There’s a new fire on Afton mountain between Charlottesville and Waynesboro that started within the last few hours. They’re working hard to contain it, so hopefully it doesn’t get much worse.

It just got smoky again where I am near Bridgewater. Not sure if it's related to the Bedford fire or the smoke from Afton.

I really think we should stop burning the planet.
At least until we have another one ready to go.

Cville stations are reporting the Bedford fire smoke will be pretty bad in the valley on Friday, but a change in wind direction early Saturday morning will move it out.