It gets better...
In spite of Wednesday's winds not being as strong as expected, air quality in several areas did improve a little. Many sites in eastern Washington showed Moderate air quality this morning, with Clarkston showing Unhealthy air. Expect west-northwest winds to pick up today and air quality to return to mostly Good statewide.
... but won't stay that way for everyone
A strong ridge is expected Friday through Sunday, bringing nice weather and east winds. The previous forecast for southwest winds is no longer valid. As such it is unlikely that Oregonian wildfire smoke will make it to Washington, but Idahoan wildfire smoke is likely to impact the Palouse, the Lewis- Clark valley and perhaps further into the Columbia Basin to varying extents between Friday and Sunday. Expect air quality to hover between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
The 25-acre fire outside Leavenworth is nearing containment but could continue smoldering for a few more days. In addition, there could be small amounts of localized smoke from the various prescribed burns across the state.
Forecast will be updated as required.
Ranil Dhammapala, PhD.
Atmospheric Scientist
Washington State Department of Ecology
Tel: 360-407-6807 Fax: 360-407-7534
Email: ranil.dhammapala@ecy.wa.gov
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