Danielson noted that Everglades wildfires often go unnoticed by the public, and it's unusual for wind patterns to push smoke into metro areas. But a persistent west-to-southwesterly wind is doing just that, said Chuck Caracozza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami.

Smoke from wildfires in the Everglades along Alligator Alley fills the sky on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. Mike Stocker/ Sentinel) People climb the observation tower at the Alligator Alley Environmental Education Center and Rest Area at Mile Marker 35 on I-75 in Broward County as smoke from wildfires in the Everglades fills the sky on Thursday,