Of smoke, that is.
Here is yesterday's daily average estimated fine particle pollution map. "Estimated" because it is a satellite- derived product. Satellites can't decipher the height at which smoke is present; they only see all the vertically integrated smoke in the atmosphere. Various algorithms are used to estimate how much of this is present at ground level. Without reading too much into the absolute numbers, we can see where the smoke is coming from and going to.
Give a little
The fires near Asotin (Silcott, Dry Gulch and Lick Creek) are problematic for nearby WA and ID communities (read: export). We expect Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air in the area for the next few days.
Take a little
Some smoke from wildfires in southern British Columbia is drifting over the north central part of the state (read: import). While most of it will remain aloft for now, some splotches of Moderate air can't be ruled out this afternoon. Smoke from southern Oregon fires will also fly over the south central and southeastern part of the state tomorrow. Enjoy the pretty sunsets.
Overall synopsis
No other major smoke concerns for now thanks to favorable winds, but those happy-go-lucky days are numbered because new fires are an ongoing concern (see the Red Flag warning). Please do your part to prevent fires.
Curious, what exactly makes the smoke mix down to ground level? I e never fully understood how it works.
ReplyDeleteGenerally after the sun goes down, the air cools and becomes more stable, which leads to sinking of the air. As the saying goes, hot air rises. But after it cools, it comes back down again. If the fire was really hot and the plume punched through the boundary layer, it won't easily mix back down to the surface because it will be exposed to free troposphere transport (not part of the stable surface layer). Check out this link: https://www.auburn.edu/academic/forestry_wildlife/fire/smoke_guide/smoke_dispersion.htm
DeleteAnd another nice link: http://stream1.cmatc.cn/pub/comet/EmergencyManagement/afwa_dis/comet/dispersion/afwa/txt/sect4.htm
DeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteare we destined to spend all of august (and September) inside, in the not too distant future?
ReplyDeleteMaybe, maybe not. We'll have to take it a few days at a time.
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