Courtesy: Brandon Jakubik
Anchor/Producer

Caroline anchors 27 News at 4 and 5. She’s had several roles at WKOW since she joined the station in August 2020, including weekend evening anchor and multimedia journalist. Caroline is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri.
Courtesy: Brandon Jakubik
Dr. Mayra Oyola explains what caused the wildfires in Canada and why the smoke has been so thick as it makes its way to southern Wisconsin.
MADISON (WKOW) — The smoke blanketing Wisconsin Thursday wasn’t subtle. You could see it, smell it and sometimes feel it while breathing. It was the product of wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario. 
Dr. Mayra Oyola, an atmospheric scientist at UW-Madison, said dry and windy conditions are fueling those fires. Typically, rain is helpful to fight fires, but Oyola said storms can pose a new challenge: lightning. Lightning strikes can ignite more fires. 
Oyola said thick smoke moved into southern Wisconsin Thursday because the wind pattern shifted. Throughout the day, the air quality in Madison bounced between the “hazardous” and “very unhealthy” ranges, which are noted with maroon and purple, respectively. 
“That is very critical for everyone,” she said. “Everything above red impacts everyone, but especially those with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and children.”
Oyola said the sky in Dane County should start to clear some Friday as winds shift again, but it’s possible wildfire smoke could return later this summer.
Anchor/Producer

Caroline anchors 27 News at 4 and 5. She’s had several roles at WKOW since she joined the station in August 2020, including weekend evening anchor and multimedia journalist. Caroline is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri.
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