Monday, September 14, 2015

Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Monday September 14, 2015

Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Monday September 14, 2015
Prepared by Mark Fitch (mfitch@nps.gov), Air Resource Advisor & Carolyn Kelly (ckelly8384@gmail.com), Air Resource Advisor Trainee

Smoke Summary: The high pressure that dominated the weather the last few days gave way to a cold front Sunday afternoon.  The passing dry cold front will bring much cooler temperatures and breezy conditions and there is a chance of rain by Wednesday. Upper air winds are forecasted to increase helping transport smoke out of the local area. Fires remain active Monday, as firefighters work to contain open lines.  Air quality will range anywhere from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups in the morning hours, improving in late afternoon to early evening. The North Star is at 215,406 acres, Tunk Block 163,096 acres, Okanogan Complex 133,142 acres. Caution: Potential smoke on highway 21, expected to clear by the afternoon; use caution.

Extended Outlook:  Cooler temperatures and with a slight raise in nighttime humidity is expected to continue through early this week.  Moderate instability may increase fire activity and smoke.

*Monitoring stations for Tonasket, Orient, and Kettle Falls have been shut down due to machine malfunction as of 09/10/2015.       **The Republic monitor has been replaced**
Site
Air Quality
Comments
September 13
Sunday
September 14
Monday
September 15
Tuesday
Spokane Metro
Good
Good
Good
Smoke from burnout activities on local fires may affect nearby communities.  Air quality is expected to improve by the afternoon, as the winds increase.

Davenport
Good
Good
Good
Colville
Good
Good
Good
Kettle Falls*
Good
Good
Good
Wellpinit
Good
Good
Good
Orient*
Moderate
Good
Good
Inchelium
Moderate
Good
Good
Omak
Moderate
Moderate
Good
Early morning hours may be in the USG range but expect good to moderate depending on local winds.  Light winds will suppress smoke transport. Expect local valleys to contain dense smoke conditions but improving during but, with hazy conditions through the day.

Nespelem
USG
Moderate
Moderate
Republic**
USG
Moderate
Good
Tonasket*
Moderate
Good
Good
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.
Webcam in Republic WA: http://rcabletv.com/cam_republic.html

For information on what each Air Quality Index color code means, click on the “Smoke and Health” tab above.

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