Air quality to worsen as smoke returns
Aug 19, 2018, 12:04 PM | Updated: 10:12 pm
Forecasters are warning of unhealthy air for parts of the Pacific Northwest as winds push smoke from surrounding wildfires into the region.
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued air quality alerts for much of Washington state.
The NWS says air quality in Western Washington is expected to worsen. Some improvement is expected by Wednesday.
An air quality alert is also in place across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Forecasters say smoke from fires in British Columbia is expected to drift into Washington and Idaho, causing unhealthy air levels through Tuesday.
Officials say air quality over the area is poor because of smoke from wildfires and terrain that traps smoke in valleys.
Yeah, it’s bleak. If you have to go outside to embrace the horror, er, the smoke, make sure you have the right mask. 😷 https://t.co/kTwgFZAcKK #wawx pic.twitter.com/9SwywqKdPh
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 20, 2018
Yikes! That is not a pretty air quality map. Not a good night to enjoy the patio. Find the latest forecast and more at https://t.co/PpOZVOhOYT pic.twitter.com/uMxq934dkU
— WA Dept of Ecology (@EcologyWA) August 20, 2018
Red Flag warning 5am to 6pm PDT Monday for portions of Western Washington. Refer to the latest statement for details at https://t.co/xJOonZ70CK #wawx pic.twitter.com/cMiM25Rcl1
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 19, 2018
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
