MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Places in Washington state with some of the cleanest air

Aug 9, 2017, 12:07 PM | Updated: 12:24 pm

Puget Sound residents are experiencing the second week of poor air quality, which has ranged from "moderate" to "unhealthy."  However, there are still some areas where the air is much cleaner than others. (Chris Sullivan/KIRO Radio) Wednesday morning, Anacortes had an Air Quality Index score of 34. (WSDOT/Flickr) On Wednesday, Aberdeen residents were enjoying "good" air quality. (WSDOT/Flickr) On Wednesday morning, Longview held steady in the mid-40s on the Air Quality Index. (Alex Butterfield via Flickr) Over in Neah Bay, the Air Quality Index was 37 Wednesday morning. (U.S. Coast Guard /photo by Fireman Joseph Halasz) Port Townsend had an Air Quality Index of 30 Wednesday morning. (File, MyNorthwest) On Whidbey Island, the Air Quality Index was hovering around mid-20s. (WSDOT/Flickr)

Above: The cities and towns with the best air quality on Wednesday, according to the Air Quality Index.

As our record dry streak continues, so does the poor air quality.

A smoky haze from Canadian wildfires continues to blanket our state. That’s led to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to issue another burn ban for King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties.

Fresh air is expected to start moving into Puget Sound Thursday and Friday. However, air quality has fluctuated significantly this week, changing from “good” and “moderate,” to “unhealthy” at times, according to the Air Quality Index.

Eric Saganic with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says the burn ban may continue through Saturday if the smoke doesn’t clear.

For many places in Western Washington, the air quality improves in the evening. As the day progresses, it gets worse, according to Saganic.

Places like North Bend, however, aren’t getting as much of a break.

“North Bend and some of those areas with the highest levels have been above inversions protecting us from evening smoke,” Saganic said.

If you’re seeking out cleaner air, click through the gallery above to see the places around Western Washington that score “good” on the air index.

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Places in Washington state with some of the cleanest air