SEATTLE — The wildfire haze hanging over Western Washington should be clearing out on Monday.
Much of the Puget Sound was covered over the weekend from fires burning in Central Washington. The smoke dropped our air quality to moderate, and in some areas unhealthy.
"Moderate" air quality is tolerable for healthy people but dangerous for people with breathing problems.
The smoke is expected to decrease as low level onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean begins again offering a dose of fresher air. This weather pattern should help improve air quality and visibility.
To find updated air quality data in your area, check this air quality map.
Air quality in Seattle was '"unhealthy" on Sunday, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The air was so dirty, some people were encouraged to stay inside their homes.
At 6:30 p.m., the haze was subsiding.
The source of the smoke is from Okanogan County, where out-of-control fires continue to rage across northern Washington. Experts say the smoke clearing out could actually make the fires worse, as it's like opening a flue in a fireplace. Smoke acts as a cap on the fire, and once it's gone, humidity drops and heat rises.
Still, for those struggling to breath hundreds of miles away from the fire, the lift is welcomed.
Smoke does not affect low temperatures like clouds do, according to the National Weather Service. At night, smoke has no effect on long wave radiation (cooling), but during the day smoke does decrease incoming solar radiation from the sun. The smoke particles scatter and deflect solar radiation, meaning less radiation reaches the ground than if the skies were clear of smoke, reducing high temperatures "a bit," possibly a few degrees.
High temperatures in Western Washington were tempered a few degrees over the weekend.
Winds could be clearing out the haze that hangs over the Puget Sound. As this is welcoming news for those struggling to breathe, officials say this could be troubling for the #Okanogan fires: kiro.tv/SoundHazeA timelapse shows the thick haze in the sky moving over the city. #Share your photos of the haze in the comments.
Posted by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News on Monday, August 24, 2015
FAST BREAKDOWN OF FIRES
- Okanogan Complex: This fire burns in Okanogan County, along with other fires in the county; several towns have evacuated. Click here for full Okanogan coverage.
- Chelan Complex This fire in Chelan County has burned for days after lightning sparked flames; more than 30 homes were destroyed. Click here for Chelan coverage.
- Goodell Creek fire: Seattle City Light started evacuating employees Wednesday from the town of Diablo as the Goodell Creek fire approached the facilities at the utility's Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Click here for coverage.
QUICK RESOURCES:
- MAP: Where fires are burning
- PHOTOS: See wildfires in Wash.
- SOCIAL: Chelan County Emergency Management updates on Facebook
- CALL: Anyone impacted and needs assistance can call 509-670-5331
- HELP: Red Cross shelter info
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