Air Quality Alert issued - smoke from OR fires moving north through the weekend :(


NWS is out with an Air Quality Alert for most of Washington state through Monday at 11am.  At which point we should finally get a better onshore push and possibly some actual rain early next week! We will also start a cooling trend Friday so those that have been leaving windows shut should get some relief from the unseasonably warm weather that has reached into the low 90°‘s the last couple days.

Pictures taken at Snoqualmie Community Park from Kite Hill area - Aug 17 (top), Sep 9th (bottom)

Just as we were hoping the smoke (from E. WA) would be bugging out of here due to the shift in expected winds later today (Thursday), it will unfortunately soon be replaced by potentially more substantial wildfire smoke from Oregon due to southerly winds:(

NOAA/NWS GOES-17 satellite image 09-09-2020


Relatively speaking, our current air quality is the best it’s been since before the east winds brought over smoke Monday evening.  Still at levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.


Image may contain: text that says 'epa.gov AQI Category and Color Air Quality Index Index Value Good Description of Air Quality Green 0to50 Air quality Moderate satisfactory, and Yellow pollution poses little 100 Air quality acceptable. However, there may be risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to ir pollution. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 Orange 150 Members public sensitive groups may likely be affected health effects. The general Unhealthy Red 151 members members sensitive public experience Very Unhealthy effects effects. Purple 201 300 Health alert: The health effects ncreased Hazardous everyone Maroon higher warning affected. emergency conditions: everyone more likely be'

But save for a brief clearing out tonight, air quality looks set to worsen rather rapidly.  Say prayers for our E. WA friends though as the worst of the OR smoke is set to funnel through the Columbia Gorge .

Here’s the fine particulates matter (PM 2.5) measurement, mapped forecast for the PNW.

Current -2:30pm - Thurs Sep 10th

8pm - Fri Sep 11th

8pm - Sat Sep 12th
8pm - Sun Sep 13th (resurgence and probably worst of it)
8am - Mon Sep 14th (stronger onshore winds should bring real relief early next week)
Source: Windy.com



Air Quality forecast from Accuweather.com (98065)



















DAILY FORECAST

TODAY
9/10
89
AQI

Poor

The air has reached a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Reduce time spent outside if you are feeling symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

FRIDAY
9/11
243
AQI

Very Unhealthy

Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.

SATURDAY
9/12
210
AQI

Very Unhealthy

Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.

SUNDAY
9/13
200
AQI

Very Unhealthy

Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.


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