It’s become another smoky August, hasn’t it? The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued an Air Quality Alert in effect until Noon on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, when winds are expected to help clear the smoke out.
“Wildfire smoke is expected to impact air quality in the Puget Sound region over the weekend, with higher impacts expected in King and Snohomish Counties,” NWS said. “Critical fire weather conditions continue for the Cascades today for hot, dry, and unstable conditions. Smoke from wildfires in the North Cascades & from Canada will continue to filter in over western Washington today. Air quality may reach moderate to unhealthy levels at times throughout the day.”
The good news? Winds are expected to arrive late Monday/early Tuesday, which will help with clearing out the smoke.
“Limit your exposure by staying indoors, keeping your windows closed, and using air purifiers, if available.”
Local @SeattleWXGuy Michael Snyder released this video update on Sunday morning, Aug. 20:
For details on air quality in your area, visit https://fire.airnow.gov
Detailed Forecast:
- Sunday: Widespread smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
- Sunday Night: Widespread haze after 2am. Widespread smoke before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
- Monday: Widespread haze before 2pm, then widespread haze after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 6 to 8 mph.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind around 8 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
- Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 57.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
- Friday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
- Friday Night: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Wildfire Safety Tips
NWS also issued these Wildfire Safety tips:
- Properly discard cigarettes.
- Keep vehicles off of dry grass.
- Avoid activities with open flames or sparks.
- Avoid power equipment that creates sparks.
- Obey burn bans.
- Evacuate if fire/smoke is heading your way.
- Evacuate if ordered to do so by local officials.
To see the latest weather info, click here.
