Where is all this smoke coming from?
A shift in winds over the weekend brought a thick haze from Canada that is covering most of our state. Fortunately, residents in Western Washington are still experiencing Good air quality, with the exception being places at higher elevations in the Cascades experiencing air quality that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Some smoke might make its way from Canada into the Puget Sound lowlands later today and tomorrow, but westerly winds should return on Wednesday and clear out any lingering smoke.
Residents in the northern parts of Central and Eastern Washington are experiencing severe smoky conditions due to both local and regional wildfires that are currently burning. Monitors are showing Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality from Wenatchee to Spokane, with no clearing expected in the near-term forecast. Light winds from the north are expected to continue throughout the day, which means residents in Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties could see conditions worsen to Moderate to Unhealthy. Southeastern Washington may not get too bad, but it won't be surprising if we see Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality in Walla Walla, Asotin, and other nearby counties.
MODIS Image from Sunday afternoon with fire locations shown in red.
Residents in the northern parts of Central and Eastern Washington are experiencing severe smoky conditions due to both local and regional wildfires that are currently burning. Monitors are showing Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality from Wenatchee to Spokane, with no clearing expected in the near-term forecast. Light winds from the north are expected to continue throughout the day, which means residents in Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties could see conditions worsen to Moderate to Unhealthy. Southeastern Washington may not get too bad, but it won't be surprising if we see Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality in Walla Walla, Asotin, and other nearby counties.
PM2.5 Monitors on Monday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for all of central and eastern Washington. This will be updated on Wednesday, and we hope southern counties will only be experiencing short-lived smoky conditions.
0 Response to "Where is all this smoke coming from?"
Post a Comment