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.