Smoke settles overnight near active fires, rain on the way

It was a fairly mild weekend with no new large fires detected and moderate activity from existing fires. As nights grow longer, smoke tends to settle into valleys after dark as mixing heights decrease. This leads to the familiar pattern of elevated smoke concentrations overnight and into the morning hours, followed by gradual air quality improvement as daytime heating helps promote atmospheric mixing.

The overnight-to-morning daily smoke pattern will continue today and tomorrow in areas downwind of active fires. We're currently seeing that play out as smoke from the Little Giant Fire impacts areas in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys, as well as Chelan. Smoke from the Three Queens Fire has led to elevated PM2.5 concentrations in Cle Elum.

Yesterday's (8/30/2026) satellite image (NPP Viirs) showing localized smoke impacts near active fires.

Air Quality Alerts remain in effect for Chelan, Douglas, and Kittitas Counties through Wednesday morning.

Weak offshore flow today into tomorrow may also bring periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality in the eastern portions of King and Snohomish Counties. Smoke from the Border 2 and Luna Fires in the North Cascades may occasionally impact the eastern parts of Skagit and Whatcom Counties as well.

Rain this week

Rain chances increase Tuesday night, with likely rain across the state on Wednesday and Thursday. Widespread wetting rains are expected, which will help clear the air and slow fire activity. As noted in last week's update, we're not out of wildfire season yet, but this upcoming stretch of cooler and wetter weather will bring a welcome reprieve.

Mean precipitation expected through Friday morning. NWS.

Will it be a smoky September this year?

Current Fire Situation

Wildfires in Washington have grown in recent days. In particular, the Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires had very active days yesterday. Tall smoke plumes were observed, reaching at least 30,000 feet above sea level according to radar data. 

 

Wildfires, smoke plumes, and clouds across the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, August 26 at 5:50 p.m. local time. Notable heat and smoke are visible from the Sinlahehkin Fire near the border with Canada. Data: GOES-18 satellite imagery accessed via RAMMB/CIRA, CSU.

Large smoke plume over the Sinlahekin Fire on Wednesday, August 26. Photo credit: Derek Cook.

The forests are very dry and conditions remain active, particularly along the eastern slopes of the Cascades. The largest fires, by far, are Little Giant and Sinlahekin, but a handful of other fires in the Cascades are also uncontained and growing in remote wilderness. 

These are the main smoke-producing fires as of August 27: 

• Little Giant: 155,974 acres, 23% contained
• Sinlahekin: 162,630 acres, 56% contained
• Luna: 4,776 acres, 31% contained
• Border 2: 7,633 acres, 42% contained
• Sisi: 941 acres, 0% contained
• Three Queens: 8,240 acres, 5% contained
• Goat: 561 acres, 0% contained
• King: 1,835 acres, 0% contained
• Wonderland Complex: 314 acres, 0% contained
• High Lava: 2,771 acres, 25% contained

Additionally, large fires are ongoing to our north, in British Columbia, and to our south, in Oregon. See the BC Wildfire Map or Inciweb for more information.

Firefighters watch extreme fire behavior on the Sinlahekin Fire, August 11, 2026. Photo via Inciweb.

A Smoky Summer in North-Central Washington

It has been a smoky summer east of the Cascade crest, particularly in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties where smoke in August has been relentless. 

In Chelan County, according to EPA data, at least one air quality monitor in the county has experienced a 24-hour average AQI exceeding:

• UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS (AQI 101+), for 20 of the last 24 days.
• UNHEALTHY (AQI 151+), for 13 of the last 24 days. 
• VERY UNHEALTHY (AQI 201+), for 4 of the last 24 days (August 4-7, specifically).

Also keep in mind that particular times of day often had worse air quality than the 24-hour average. For example, Wenatchee experienced multiple mornings with HAZARDOUS (AQI 301+) readings in the past month, even if the 24-hour average settled out to something less extreme after air quality improved later in the day. 

While certainly severe, there have been other years with bad smoke in Chelan County. As seen above, notable smoky periods also occurred during fire seasons in 2012, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 

Smoke this summer has drifted into other portions of eastern Washington, too, but generally not as continuously as in north-central Washington. 

Offshore Wind Season, Western Washington Outlook

The story is different in western Washington which has largely been protected so far this year by prevailing winds bringing in clean air in from the Pacific Ocean. Smoke from eastern Washington has drifted into the Cascades and Olympics at times, but surface air quality has generally been GOOD to MODERATE in more populated cities along the I-5 corridor and westward to the coast.

Perfect air quality looking west from the Space Needle Webcam in Seattle on Wednesday, August 26.

Will luck run out for the western side of the state in September? 

As long as fires continue to burn in the Cascades and eastern Washington, western Washington will need to watch closely for offshore wind events that reverse our typical prevailing winds and could bring smoky air westward. These periods of offshore winds tend to occur more often in September, putting much of western Washington at somewhat greater risk of smoke in the next month or so. 

While the next week ahead is forecast to bring cooler temperatures and even some light precipitation to western Washington, it likely won't be enough to extinguish many of the ongoing forest fires in the eastern Cascades. This is especially true because of ongoing drought stress and exceptionally dry vegetation conditions. According to the drought monitor, 71% of Washington state is now experiencing at least 'moderate' drought (level 1 of 4), with 25% of the state experiencing 'severe' (level 2 of 4) drought. Pockets of Okanogan County are in 'extreme' (level 3 of 4) drought. 

So, if we do get a period of dry, easterly winds in September, then forest fires could easily pick back up again and send smoke across the west side of the state.

September 2020 was a prime example of a strong offshore wind event that drove extreme wildfire growth and subsequent smoke impacts across the Pacific Northwest. This came after a relatively smoke-free summer. October 2022 was another example where late season fires in the Cascades funneled smoke into many western Washington communities. 

Additionally, we are losing more and more daylight. This means that nights are longer and cooler which tends to more easily trap smoke near the surface as we head into the early fall months. In summary, we are almost there, but smoke season is not over. For western Washington in particular, it could be just beginning.

Scooper above Lake Wenatchee with Little Giant Fire burning in the background. Photo via Inciweb. 

Smoke continues downwind of active wildfires and begins to drift west

Significant smoke continues to impact communities near active fires along the Cascades. In Central WA, smoke from the Little Giant and Three Queens Fires is settling into mountain valleys. In Eastern WA, smoke from the Paradise and Hagen Fires in the Blue Mountains are impacting the Walla Walla area, especially in the overnight and early morning hours. Air Quality Alerts are in place for Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Kittitas, and Walla Walla Counties. In Western WA, light offshore winds are allowing smoke to drift into the upper slopes. Warm and dry conditions today and tomorrow will support ongoing fire activity and smoke production. 

Monday morning satellite image from MODIS, showing smoke concentrated in valleys near active fires.

Smoke Outlook: Western WA

Starting this afternoon, a brief 24-36 hour period of reduced air quality is expected as winds from the north and east will allow smoke and haze to drift into Western WA, with peak east winds expected tomorrow morning. Smoke from the Little Giant and Three Queens Fires will reach areas from King County northward. The highest PM2.5 concentrations will be near the Cascade foothills and the eastern portions of King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. Communities closer to the Puget Sound should remain mostly Moderate with brief periods of USG possible. Similar conditions are expected in Southwest WA, where smoke from Oregon fires will result in mostly Moderate air quality across Clark and Skamania Counties. West winds Tuesday afternoon will help clear out lingering smoke and haze.

Smoke Outlook: Eastern WA

The heaviest smoke impacts will remain closest to active wildfires, including the Little Giant, Three Queens, and Sisi Fires in Central WA and the Hagen and Paradise Fires in northeast Oregon. While the Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket is 53% contained, it is still expected to remain active given the warm and dry conditions. Most of Eastern WA outside of areas closest to the fires should expect Moderate air quality today and tomorrow.

Later this week

Critical fire weather returns in Eastern WA mid-week with breezy winds and dry conditions. However, there is a chance of precipitation in Northeast WA, and cooler temperatures into the weekend may potentially improve air quality. We'll continue to keep an eye on conditions and update as needed.

Areas of poor air quality continue east of the Cascades, thunderstorms and critical fire weather lie ahead

Overall, Western WA has seen mostly GOOD air quality with minimal smoke impacts. Eastern Washington has improved, but haze remains with periods of MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS the past several days. North-central Washington continues to deal with periods of heavy smoke, as does Walla Walla due to smoke from the Paradise and Hagen fires. The Air Quality Index has reached VERY UNHEALTHY and even HAZARDOUS levels at times. 

Outlook:

Western, WA: Air quality is expected to remain good as onshore winds continue to help clear out any residual smoke and push fog onto the coast. While some upper-level haze may be visible, smoke impacts mainly remain over Central and Eastern WA. 

Eastern, WA: Hazy and smoky skies remain as fires in Central and Eastern WA as well as BC and Eastern OR continue to remain active increasing smoke production in the region. Smoke will continue to impact communities located closest to the fires, especially settling into lower elevations overnight before heating up and lifting during the day. Hot and dry conditions remain over the region with very dry fuels continuing to be available to burn. Gusty winds out of the west will pick up this weekend which may increase smoke impacts downwind from new and existing fires. In turn, smoke will decrease at locations south and west of active fires.

Three Queens Fire near Kachess Lake

Critical Fire Weather:

The heat will build this afternoon and Friday. The hot and dry conditions will likely allow for increased smoke production on the active large fires in the region over the next 48 hours. With temperatures across eastern Washington well into the 90s, it's important to stay hydrated and limit smoke exposure. Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself from smoke and heat.

Thunderstorm chances will increase Friday evening, primarily along and west of the Cascade crest, though isolated storms will be possible in eastern Washington. Storm coverage is expected to increase and spread east overnight. Storms are expected to be fast-moving and will not produce very much precipitation, increasing the risk for new lightning ignitions.

Thunderstorms will continue across portions of central and eastern Washington on Saturday afternoon as a slow-moving low pressure system tracks across the state. As it does so, westerly winds will increase, especially along the east slopes of the Cascades and across the Columbia Basin. Although temperatures will cool slightly, continued low relative humidity combined with wind gusts between 25-40mph will increase the risk for rapid spread of any emerging incidents.

Fire weather information from NWS Spokane

Smoke continues in Central WA amid active fire conditions

Current smoke impacts are largely confined to areas downwind of active fires. The Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires are the primary sources of smoke, and both are expected to produce more smoke today with warmer temperatures and increased winds.

Large fires in the region. Source: DNR Wildfire Dashboard.

Fire Roundup

In the North Cascades, the Border 2 Fire, Luna Fire, and Ptarmigan Fire remain active, although recent rainfall has reduced fire activity. 

The Sinlahekin Fire west of Tonasket has grown to over 150,000 acres and is expected to remain active with warmer and drier conditions.

The Little Giant Fire northwest of Leavenworth continues to expand and is now burning over130,000 acres. In addition to natural fire activity, burnout operations associated with efforts to protect structures and increase containment are contributing to additional smoke production.

Smoke production from the Three Queens Fire northwest of Little Kachess Lake (~3,600 acres) has decreased due to recent rain and firefighter efforts.

The Grand Park 2 Fire northeast of Mt. Rainier is now 57% contained and exhibiting moderate fire activity.

Further south, the High Lava Fire in Skamania County has grown to over 1,200 acres, but progress towards containment is increasing with cooler temperatures and increased moisture.

In Northeast WA, smoke production from the Bradeen Hill, Hudspeth, and Mitre Rock Fires are minimal. The Modrite Fire is currently 90% contained, and the Kaiser Canyon Fire is also now 84% contained. 

The Paradise and Hagen Fires in Northeast Oregon remain active; smoke from these fires may impact southeast WA later in the week.

Smoke Impacts

In Central Washington, smoke will persist in communities downwind of active fires. This includes Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, west Grant County, and across the Okanogan and Methow Valleys. Higher-elevation terrain along the Cascades will also remain smoky. While air quality may slightly improve in the afternoons, smoke will settle back into valleys overnight and into the early morning hours. Air Quality Alerts continue for Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. 

In Northeast and Southeast Washington, regional smoke transport may lead to hazy skies and moderate air quality, but no significant smoke intrusions are expected today or tomorrow.

Looking ahead

A warming and drying trend later this week will likely increase smoke production from active and emerging fires. Any new fires from lightning holdovers could grow quickly. We'll monitor air quality and update as the week progresses.

Mountain embers on the Sinlahekin Fire. Source: Inciweb.

Relief for NE WA, increased impacts across Central WA, and elevated smoke in Western WA

Eastern Washington is getting a bit of a reprieve from smoke today, but that improvement comes at the expense of areas along the Cascades. North and northeast winds are pushing smoke south and southwest, leading to smoky conditions this morning in places like Ellensburg, the Tri-Cities, and Yakima.

Yesterday's thunderstorms also resulted in lightning strikes mostly in North Central and Northeast WA. While no new fires have been reported as a result of the lightning, a Red Flag Warning through today for the Cascades and the Olympics could result in additional lightning strikes and new fire starts.

Smoke Outlook: Eastern WA

Smoke will continue drifting southwest throughout the day today and tomorrow. The greatest smoke impacts will continue to be in communities directly down wind of active fires, especially overnight and into the morning hours. However, communities to the north and northeast of active fires will see a period of improved air quality before southwest winds return this weekend.

Air Quality Alerts continue for the majority of Central and Eastern WA, but these may be revised as the day progresses. While occasional clearing and intermittent good air quality is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air quality monitors before outdoor activities.

UPDATE 3:30 pm: Air Quality Alerts are no longer in effect for Adams, Klickitat, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Whitman Counties.

Smoke Outlook: Western WA

Smoke is filtering into western WA. Currently, the majority of the smoke is aloft in the atmosphere, producing hazy skies and vibrant sunrises and sunsets. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's ceilometer at Marysville shows the smoke layer about 1500 m above the surface.

Ceilometer data from Marysville. Courtesy PSCAA.

The most noticeable smoke impacts will occur in the foothills, Cascades, the eastern portions of Skagit and Whatcom counties, and higher elevations. Smoke will also be present in the Olympics until tomorrow afternoon. While some daytime mixing may bring smoke down to the surface in the Puget Sound and push conditions into Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for several hours, widespread poor air quality is not expected. Today's pattern will continue into tomorrow as smoke drifting southwest mixes with a weak push of cleaner marine air. Onshore winds return Saturday morning to clear out any lingering haze or moderate surface impacts. 

Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Skagit and Whatcom Counties through Saturday at 9am. Southwest Clean Air Agency has also issued an air quality alert for wildfire smoke for Skamania County through tomorrow evening with intermittent impacts also expected in the eastern portions of Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis counties. 

Cross-section from the HRRR smoke model, valid at 3pm Friday afternoon. Smoke impacts will mostly be aloft in the atmosphere with the greatest impacts at higher elevations. Relatively less smoke is present at the surface in Puget Sound.

Thunderstorms to the north and smoke in the basin expected this week

Weather on the horizon

Residents in the northern half of eastern Washington have been inundated with smoke for what seems like an eternity!  A weather system will bring scattered thunderstorms across Northern Washington and BC this week, but the amount of precipitation will likely not be enough to abate fire activity.  Lightning could also spark new fires near the Canadian border. 

National Weather Service - Weather Story Graphic for Tuesday August 11

Smoke Forecast

Winds will shift this week and bring smoke from the north into the Columbia Basin. The WSU AIRPACT-6 forecast plots below show the 10 am predictions for Wednesday and Thursday, with smoke expected to make its way a little into the western slopes of the Cascades, as well as increased smoke in South-Central Washington. 

Predicted smoke for Wednesday at 10 am (AIRPACT-6)

Predicted smoke for Thursday at 10 am (AIRPACT-6)

Fires in Washington

Several fires in Washington are still burning actively, while others have seen reduced activity and containment due to the amazing efforts by firefighters.  Below is a list of notable fires in our state.

Ptarmigan – Started July 17; 23,745 Acres Burned; 8% Contained; Okanogan County

Sinlahekin – Started July 26; 148,690 Acres Burned; 42% Contained; Okanogan County

Luna – Started July 2; 3,691 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Whatcom County

Border 2 – Started July 17; 10,538 Acres Burned, 0% Contained, Whatcom County

Little Giant – Started July 16; 122,401 Acres Burned; 2% Contained; Chelan & Okanogan Counties 

Three Queens – Started July 15; 2,922 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Kittitas County 

Kaiser Canyon – Started July 16; 138,210 Acres Burned; 69% Contained; Okanogan & Ferry Counties 

Modrite – Started July 17; 57,144 Acres Burned; 61% Contained; Stevens & Ferry Counties 

Hudspeth – Started August 1; 5,850 Acres Burned; 42% Contained; Stevens County

Spokane Fires:

Autumn Lane – Started August 1; 5,764 Acres Burned; 89% Contained

Old Trails – Started August 1; 3,175 Acres Burned; 73% Contained 

Fairview – Started August 1; 992 Acres Burned; 97% Contained

Paradise – Started July 16; 3,531 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Columbia County

High Lava – Started July 23; 1,167 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Skamania County 

Terra/MODIS image for Tuesday morning (Aug. 11) - Courtesy of NASA Worldview

Coping with wildfire smoke

Creating a support network in your community will help everyone manage the stress, anxiety, and health risks of wildfire season.  Make sure to take care of your own mental health by seeking out activities that keep you calm and grounded. Learn more about choosing the right mask if you do have to be outside, and smoke safety for workers.

Fires still raging but transport winds are back

Transport Winds are Back

Transport winds from the west are back in effect, which means intermittent clearing will occur in some areas.  Conditions east of the Cascades will be hot and dry this weekend, and winds are expected to increase.  Despite some clearing, heavy smoke continues to be generated from wildfires across the region, and wind gusts will likely lead to more fire growth. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the NWS.

GOES imagery for Friday morning (Aug 7), courtesy of Aerosol Watch

Air Quality Alerts 

Air quality alerts have expired for Western Washington, as no new wildfire smoke is expected at this time.  Air quality alerts will continue until further notice for all of Central and Eastern Washington. For more information about expected smoke impacts, see the local outlooks linked to above. 

Fires on the Landscape

The number of wildfires in our region is unprecedented, with multiple large complexes and several emerging fires.  See the Watch Duty app for current information on fire activity, firefighter efforts, evacuations, and more.  The map below shows all recent fire detections in red, and a prediction of air quality on Saturday night from the Copernicus model.

Fire locations and predicted AQI for Saturday night, courtesy of Windy.com

Ozone

We've been on the lookout for ozone production, and while we don't expect ozone to be as bad this weekend, it has been spiking at USG levels in some areas the past couple days.  This is typical when it heats up outside and transport winds die down, allowing more ozone to be generated.  There has also been higher ozone observed by satellite across the Pacific.

Hourly ozone (ppm) this week, courtesy of Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Air Graphing Tool

Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

Remember to keep indoor air clean - run air purifiers if you have them, keep windows closed during heavy smoke, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity when the AQI is concerning.  A quick check-in with neighbors, friends, and family can make a real difference, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone with breathing issues.  More tips and suggestions are available on the Health Information tab of this blog.

Take action to protect workers from wildfire smoke exposure

Outdoor workers are at especially high risk of developing wildfire-smoke related symptoms. Minimize the health risks to workers by reducing exposure time to wildfire smoke. Each workplace is unique and requires a unique approach in protecting their workers from wildfire smoke. The following are some suggestions:

• Provide enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles with filtered air;

• Relocate work to less smoky areas;

• Reschedule work for a time with less smoke pollution;

• Avoid work that creates dust, fumes, or smoke; 

• Reduce work intensity;

• Provide additional rest periods; and

• Provide respirators, such as an N95.

The Department of Labor & Industries' rules for wildfire smoke are based on a datapoint called PM2.5, which is a measure of particle matter present in the air that is 2.5 microns or smaller. We talk about protections that are required in terms of both PM2.5 levels and the corresponding AQI because AQI is an easily accessible and common standard people use. 

The following table summarizes the key requirements of the wildfire smoke rule for covered employers:

Current PM2.5 (μg/m3)	NowCast Air Quality Index for PM2.5	Required Protections
0.0 - 20.4	0 - 71​	Prepare a written wildfire smoke response plan. Provide wildfire smoke training to employees. Watch the PM2.5 conditions and forecasts. Prepare a two-way communication system. Make provisions for prompt medical attention and permit that medical attention without retaliation.
20.5 - 35.4	72 - 100​	All of the above and: Notify employees of PM2.5 conditions. Ensure only trained employees work outdoors. Consider implementing exposure controls Consider providing voluntary use respirators.
35.5 - 250.4	101 - 350​	All of the above and: Implement exposure controls.​ Make N95 respirators available for voluntary use.​
250.5 - 500.3	351 - 848​​	All of the above and: Ensure workers experiencing symptoms requiring immediate medical attention be moved to a location that ensures sufficient clean air. Directly distribute N95 respirators to employees for voluntary use.
500.4 - 554.9	849 - 956​	All of the above and: Implement a complete required use respiratory protection program, including fit-testing, medical evaluations, requiring employees to be clean-shaven, and requiring the use of particulate respirators.​
555 or more	957 or more​	All of the above and: Require respirators with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 25 or more.​

Smoke clearing in the west but fire weather remains critical

Widespread smoke impacts continue across the state, as seen in today's satellite imagery. 

Satellite imagery from 8/6/2026 (Terra/MODIS).

When will air quality improve?

In Western WA, expect slow and gradual improvement today. Winds are shifting onshore but the relatively weak push of cleaner air means smoke may linger longer than initially expected. More noticeable clearing should develop overnight and into Friday, with much improved air quality through the weekend. 

Air Quality Alerts for Grays Harbor, Whatcom, and Skagit counties expire today at 5pm. Air Quality Alerts for Southwest WA (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum) expire at the end of the day today. Due to expected lingering smoke especially in the foothills and Cascades, Air Quality Alerts for King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties have been extended until tomorrow morning at 8am. Pooling smoke in valleys can take longer to clear, so keep an eye on nearby air quality monitors for the most up-to-date conditions. 

In Eastern WA, impaired air quality will continue for most of the region due to light winds. Some slight improvement is possible in South Central Washington this afternoon, but overall air quality conditions will remain challenging until winds strengthen. Gradual improvement is expected Friday into the weekend for areas not directly downwind of active fires. Communities east of ongoing fires will remain highly susceptible to smoke impacts. 

Air Quality Alerts remain in effect for all counties in Central and Eastern Washington until further notice.

Upcoming fire weather in Eastern WA

Unfortunately, Eastern WA won't catch much of a break. Critical fire weather conditions return Friday and Saturday, with strong winds and low relative humidity across the region. However, winds will not be as strong as last weekend's event with forecasted sustained winds of 10-20 mph and gusts 20-30 mph. While the increased winds will help disperse smoke, they also will likely increase smoke production from both existing fires and any new starts. The combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions will keep fire behavior elevated.

How does this smoke event compare to previous years?

Checking back in on this summer's air quality compared to previous notable smoke years--the plot below looks at a timeseries of the statewide daily average of all monitoring sites during the summer for different regions of the state. So far smoke impacts this summer are comparable to the timing of smoke impacts in previous notable smoke years, and it's only early August. It's also shaping up to be a record breaking year for acres burned across Washington and Oregon.

Air monitoring sites in the Chelan and Wenatchee areas have also recorded PM2.5 concentrations corresponding to hazardous air quality. While some AQI graphics appear to "top out" at an AQI of 500, the hazardous range does extend beyond that, and air monitoring instruments do measure and report above an AQI of 500. Concentrations within the hazardous AQI level used to be very rare in the state, but unfortunately have become more common during extreme smoke events. 

For those in areas of impaired air quality, Tuesday's post has great tips for staying safe and reducing smoke exposure. 

Smoke continues to build statewide, gradual improvement expected later this week

Smoke Increasing

The most widespread smoke impacts of the season are being felt on Tuesday with smoke reaching the surface both east and west of the Cascade crest. 

One thing that has spared the western Washington lowlands so far is some cleaner air coming down from the Strait of Georgia between British Columbia and Vancouver Island. This has been scouring out some of the smoke along and west of I-5 from around Everett northward to Bellingham. These winds are expected to persist into Wednesday and may ultimately prevent worse smoke impacts in these areas.

DNR Pano Cam from Orcas Island looking toward Bellingham.

Further inland and to the south, AQI levels on smoke monitors and sensors along the west slopes of the Cascades and in the southern Puget Sound continue to creep upward as smoke travels down the rivers and highways towards foothill communities like Darrington, Sultan, North Bend, and Enumclaw.

Further south, smoke continues to increase along I-5, especially around the Portland/Vancouver metro as smoke moves toward the west through the Columbia River Gorge. 

In eastern Washington, widespread Unhealthy conditions are expected to continue. Locally Very Unhealthy to even Hazardous conditions are likely in close proximity to the fires. The only sliver of eastern Washington that has seen improved air quality over the last 48 hours is from Oroville to Northport.

Air Quality Alert map

Air Quality Alerts (AQAs) will continue in central and eastern Washington until further notice. In western Washington, AQAs have been expanded to include Kitsap, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, and the eastern portions of Whatcom and Skagit counties. AQAs in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties are currently set to expire at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, all others expire at 5:00 p.m. Thursday.

What Can I Do?

If you are reading this, you're off to a great start! One of the best things you can do during smoke events is to keep tabs on your local air quality. Smoke can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the day. If you can, wait for the air quality to improve before going outside. For those living near active fires, check the forecast from the Air Resource Advisor assigned to the fire.

Information from NWS Seattle

It's also important to keep your indoor air clean. Avoid activities that kick up dust or consider using the oven instead of the stove. If you have air conditioning, make sure it's set to recirculate so you don't pull in smoky outdoor air. Run a portable air cleaner if you have one.

You may also consider purchasing some supplies to help you out. A NIOSH-approved N95 mask can be great if you need to go outside while it's smoky. If you don't have a portable air cleaner, consider making a DIY Box Fan Filter.

Not only is the smoke building, but so is the heat. Stay hydrated, keep curtains and window shades closed, and avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day. Put some ice packs or damp cloths in the freezer to keep yourself cool. For more information, visit the Department of Health's Hot Weather Safety Guidance.

If you are unable to stay cool at home, visit 211 Washington to find a cooling center near you. If a cooling center is not on the 211 map, contact your local health jurisdiction.

When Will the Smoke Clear?

This is always a tough question to answer while the smoke is still building, but we will start to see a gradual shift in the winds on Wednesday that will at least start the clearing process in western Washington. Without a strong push of marine air, it's going to take time. This is why most AQAs have been extended until Thursday evening. 

East of the Cascades, smoke is going to be much more stubborn until stronger westerly winds arrive. Some improvement may take place along the east slopes of the Cascades Thursday afternoon and evening, but the stronger winds that really scour out the smoke won't arrive until Friday. One they do, areas east-northeast of the fires will once again be in the path of the smoke.

Fire Weather

Speaking of strong winds, we do have some fire weather concerns worth mentioning. In the western Columbia Gorge, a Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday for locally gusty winds out of the east combined with low relative humidity.

Looking ahead, the winds that will help scour the smoke in eastern Washington will also contribute to critical fire weather conditions Friday and Saturday. While not as strong as this past Saturday, sustained winds around 15-20mph with gusts between 35-45mph will overlap with very low relative humidity values. In addition to growth on existing fires, we may once again be tracking smoke from new, fast-moving fires.

Explosive wildfire activity over the weekend and smoke spreading across the state

Current Situation

Multiple large fires are burning across the state, with no rest in sight for firefighters.  Spokane experienced devastating wildfire impacts over the weekend and the situation is still very active, with hundreds of structures burned causing potentially hazardous air quality.  Other fires across the state grew exponentially and are producing large amounts of smoke.  Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality continues to inundate many parts of the state and more areas are expected to have smoke impacts later today and through the week.  Predominant winds have shifted, allowing smoke to cover the Columbia Basin and travel over parts of Western Washington, including the Seattle metro area.  

MODIS Imagery for Monday morning (Aug. 3).

Eastern Washington has several large active fires include the Autumn Lane Fire, Old Trails Fire, Mitre Rock Fire, Modrite Fire, Hudspeth Fire, Bradeen Hill Fire, Kaiser Canyon Fire, and Paradise Fire.

Central Washington also has several large active fires, including the Little Giant Fire, Sinlahekin Fire, Ptarmigan Fire, Luna Fire, and the Border 2 Fire.  Fires to the north in BC also continue to be active.

For more information about these fires, including evacuation notices and recent updates, check Watch Duty.

Air Quality Alerts

AQAs have been extended to all of Eastern and Central Washington until further notice.  AQAs are also being issued today for parts of Western Washington, including Pierce, King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Thurston, Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties until at least Wednesday afternoon. Additional alerts may be issued for other counties in Western Washington if conditions deteriorate.  

Forecasted Conditions

Fire and smoke will be very dynamic over the next few days.  A strong high pressure system off the coast is expected to persist this week, resulting in hot and dry conditions and winds coming from the north / northeast.  This will allow smoke to engulf most of Eastern/Central Washington through the week.  Haze will also be visible in Western Washington and smoke is expected to mix down into the Puget Sound lowlands later today. Smoke impacts are expected in southwest Washington this afternoon. The high pressure ridge is expected to stick around a few days, so smoke is expected to persist in the meantime.

Finding Clean Air

When smoky conditions are this widespread, it's important to stay inside where there is cleaner indoor air.  Run portable air cleaners, set your HVAC system to recirculate, and consider wearing an N95 mask if you go outside to protect your health.  You can find clean air shelters listed on the 2-1-1 site.

In addition to smoke, health impacts can be amplified when it is hot and smoky, so be sure to pay attention to any symptoms and check out DOH's resources on how to protect yourself from smoke.

Extremely Critical Fire Weather and Worsening Smoke This Weekend

A Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening across much of Central and Eastern Washington. NWS is highlighting extremely critical fire weather conditions that could lead to rapidly changing fire and smoke behavior throughout the weekend.

This weekend

Extreme conditions tomorrow with the passage of a dry cold front will lead to significant smoke production from ongoing and emerging wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. While there may be a brief air quality improvement tomorrow from a strong push of southwest winds, areas closest to active fires will continue to see significant smoke impacts. By Saturday evening, shifting winds behind the cold front to west and northwest will drive smoke southward into the Columbia Basin and Spokane.

Smoke will persist on Sunday. The greatest impacts will continue to be downwind from active wildfires and in valley communities (including Methow, Chelan, and Entiat). Another burst of winds from the north on Sunday evening will again push smoke south across the Columbia Basin.

Southeast and South Central Washington will remain susceptible to smoke from fires in Oregon as well as smoke drifting south from fires in northern Washington and British Columbia.

Air Quality Alerts have been updated to include the following counties and will be reassessed on Monday morning: Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Walla Walla. 

Current Air Quality Alerts in effect in Washington State through at least the weekend.

Looking ahead across the state

Forecasted lighter winds next week may unfortunately allow smoke to linger and spread more broadly across Central and Eastern WA. It is also very likely that light offshore flow will allow smoke to drain into Western WA early next week, with potential for the most significant smoke impacts in Whatcom and Skagit Counties as well as mountain valley towns in King and Snohomish Counties. Expect the next blog update Monday as conditions evolve.

Chinook helicopter assisting suppression operations on the Modrite Fire in Northeast WA. Source: Inciweb.