We’re off to a calm start with increasing low clouds and good air quality, but we’ll see more wildfire smoke and haze spreading across Western Washington later today and especially Thursday. Most of that smoke is expected to remain above the surface, so while our skies will become hazier, air quality should remain fairly good today. There are some signs that could change a little Thursday.
Low clouds will expand this morning before gradually clearing, leaving us partly to mostly sunny this afternoon with highs in the mid-70s around Seattle. As the clouds clear, we’ll likely start to notice more haze overhead as smoke from British Columbia wildfires begins moving into the region.
Some of the latest computer guidance suggests a little more of that smoke could mix toward the surface Thursday, potentially bringing a slight reduction in air quality. At this point, widespread unhealthy air quality is not expected, but we’ll be watching the progression of the smoke through the end of the week. I could see some spots in the moderate category across the Puget Sound, with some lower readings in the Foothills and Mountains.
There is also a thunderstorm and fire-weather concern today, although most of Western Washington will not see a storm. A weak disturbance will bring the best chance for thunderstorms to the Mountains this afternoon and evening, mainly from around Mount Rainier north through the Canadian border, along with the east slopes of the Cascades into northeast Washington. There is also a slight chance for a thunderstorm over the Olympics.
While lightning is not expected to be widespread, any strikes could spark new fires in our dry mountain areas. Fire danger remains a concern east of the Cascades as well, where gusty winds could make existing fires more difficult to control.
Thunderstorm activity should decrease this evening, with another smaller chance for mountain storms Thursday afternoon. Storm chances could continue east of the Cascades into Friday.
By Friday and into the weekend, expect more sunshine with some haze possibly lingering. Temperatures will warm back up as well, with highs near 80° in Seattle.
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