The western wildfires combined with weather patterns are keeping a thick smoke parked over Casper as well as many other parts of the Wyoming. Many Casper residents report they can barely see Casper Mountain through the heavy haze.

The National Weather Service in Riverton says they're hoping for some improvement later Monday afternoon and evening tonight as high pressure builds in to the northern High Plains behind the cold front that moved through the state. However, at this point areas of smoke are forecast through at least the first part of the week.

Meantime, health officials say it may be best to limit your time outdoors. Patients with allergies, asthma, and lung disease may face more danger from the smoke, and exhibit symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and increased coughing.  Even healthy people may have symptoms ranging from eye irritation to difficulty breathing.

The NWS also says elevated fire conditions can be expected for most of the lower elevations of central and northern Wyoming today. Winds are expected to increase out of the north to northeast 10 to 20 m.p.h. while relative humidity drops to the upper teens to near 30 percent behind the cold front.

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