Why is Houston hazy? Climate Central findings reveal degree Americans deal with smoke as Mexico, Central America wildfires rage [Video]

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houstonians may have noticed a hazy sky this week as smoke from Mexico and Central America wildfires has lingered overhead. While wildfires are not a new phenomenon nor directly caused by climate change, there is a link between how global weather patterns change as the climate warms.

Climate Central, partners with ABC13 and ABC News, reported that in 2023, more Americans breathed in wildfire smoke than any other year since 2006.

Specifically, from January to August 2023, the average American experienced about 66% more particle pollution from smoke than during the previous record year of 2021.

The most significant contributor was Canada’s record wildfire season, sending smoky skies across much of the upper Midwest and Northeast for days, if not weeks, at a time. Some of that smoke reached Texas, though smoke from wildfires in the West and South is more prevalent in southeast Texas. The Lone Star State has also …