Wednesday, August 15, 2018

A little clearing in Western Washington

Many people in Western Washington are wondering... when will this smoke clear out?  Thankfully we have seen a little clearing start to occur this afternoon. Some monitors in Western Washington are down to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and a couple are even down to Moderate.  Most monitors in Western Washington are still in the Unhealthy range due to lingering smoke, but more clearing is expected through tonight and tomorrow.  It may be short lived, but we expect at least a couple days of cleaner air coming up.



Be thankful you aren't in Alberta!  Take a look at the giant smoke storm that traveled east over Canada today.

MODIS Image for 11 am on Wednesday
Fire Locations Shown in Red

35 comments:

  1. Thanks for the updates! Anxiously waiting for the smoke to clear here in Port Angeles. It may come back in a few days? Can you give any more information about that prediction?

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    1. Yes, Port Angeles should be in better shape this time tomorrow and possibly through Saturday. Air flows between Sunday- Tuesday likely favor smoke transport from BC and Eastern WA toward western WA (sorta a repeat of what we're seeing now), but how far into the Olympic Peninsula it makes its way remains uncertain.

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    1. Not likely to clear a whole lot between now & Saturday, unfortunately. Even with a wind shift, it will be downwind of some of the big fires.

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  3. Any chance that Entiat/Sun Cove/Chelan have any relief this weekend? Proximity to local fires has me doubtful.

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    1. You've probably identified the one part of the state MOST likely to be smoky. But stay tuned for forecasts tomorrow and Friday to see if there's any chance of improvement.

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  4. Will this be hone soon I'm in Spanaway WA pregnant and having issues with how I'm feeling?

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    1. Most of western WA, including Spanaway has started to see the improvement described in this post.

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  5. What will the western part look like. Like the lynnwood.

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    1. Most of western WA is already seeing the improvement described in this post.

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  6. Hoping to backpack around Mt. Rainier Thursday - Sunday. Any forecasting for that area?

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    1. Some clearing can be expected Thu- Fri, but not very certain beyond that. If you're at the southeastern end of the park, there is a chance smoke from the Miriam fire may impact you.

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  7. Do you see any relief for Wenatchee and Quincy/ Cresent Bar area?

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    1. Unfortunately, the relief will be limited. Canadian smoke might be less of a concern this weekend but those areas will lie downwind of fires in the Cascades, so brace for poor air

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    1. Most of western WA is already seeing the improvement described in this post.

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  9. Hoping to backpack just west enough of problem area(Chelan) - south of Darrington, west of Glacier peak. Think the winds will continue blowing it all east.

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    1. Yes, through Saturday. North and east winds appear likely Sunday & afterward, causing smoke drainage into that area.

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  10. Heading to Chelan Saturday for 10 days, any chance of getting clear air?

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    1. Sue, sadly your chances are slim. Its too close to two big fires (Crescent Mountain and Bannock Lakes) and weather doesnt appear conducive for smoke dispersion. Fires are likely to grow as winds pick up on Friday.

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  11. What is Mt baker hiking Looking like for tomorrow?

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    1. Shouldnt be too shabby. West winds are bringing some smoke clearing to most of western WA and by this evening Mt Baker should receive a supply a fresh air. More so on Friday.

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    1. Chances of Good air are slim, unfortunately. Its too close to some big fires and weather doesnt appear conducive for smoke dispersion. Fires are likely to grow as winds pick up on Friday.

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  13. I live in Friday Harbor can you tell me if I am looking at fog or smoke here? My husband works for NPS Parks here and they work outside. Is he at a health risk with mowing and weed eating here on the Island Aug 16, 17, 18???
    Yesterday here on the Island a man fainted and died. Do not know if it was related to the air quality.

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    1. Calancana, you're seeing a mix of both, but the amount of smoke is waning. As the day wears on there should be almost no smoke. Nearby monitors suggest current air should be Good or Moderate in that area. Good air should last through the 18th. However sensitive individuals are strongly encouraged to wear protective N95 or N100 masks while outdoors and to take periodic "clean air" breaks by heading indoors.

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  14. I just wanted to thank all of you for providing this information. It is so helpful. I don't care of you publish this or not, it's for you people who are doing the work to get the info to us. The "not knowing" was almost as bad as the smoke itself.

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  15. We have had bad visibility here in Malo, WA for well over a week. Is this smoke from BC fires or Colville area? Forecast for improvement?

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    1. David, smoke from BC and fires in the Cascades are likely impacting you now, though Colville area fires would have been a source until about yesterday. Some limited improvement is expected tomorrow and Saturday but a gradual degradation of air quality will resume by Sunday. A temporary monitor has been setup in Republic (closest one to you) to keep an eye on air quality in the area.

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  16. Hi I am hoping to mt. bike on the SE flanks of Mt. St. Helens this Sunday. Do you think we will have any views?

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    1. Cannot rule out some light smoke from the Miriam fire near White Pass. The earlier in the day you can head there, the better, as winds are a little more conducive.

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  17. How about for those of interested in weekend on E542 toward Mt. Baker/Glacier area?

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