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.