Gray skies, fog bring relief to Puget Sound from wildfire haze
Oct 4, 2022, 10:24 AM
People wait for a train to cross Alaskan Way near the waterfront as smoke from wildfires fills the air on September 12, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. According to the National Weather Service, the air quality in Seattle remained at "unhealthy" levels Saturday after a large smoke cloud from wildfires on the West Coast settled over the area. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
Wipe your eyes and get ready for some relief. The marine layer is helping ease smoke conditions across the Puget Sound.
“Low clouds and marine moisture are moving in… which is great news for air quality,” wrote KIRO 7 meteorologist Nick Allard in his blog. “Most of the area is in the good to moderate range, but we still have some unhealthy spots closer to the foothills.”
Improved air quality on the way to western Washington
Fire weather conditions in the mountains
The National Weather Service predicts: “Elevated fire weather conditions will persist in the mountains due to dry conditions, especially later in the week as the marine layer becomes more shallow.”
The smoky skies over the past week have taken some of the pleasure out of the near-perfect weather conditions.
“High pressure has shifted east enough to allow in that onshore wind and improving air,” Allard outlined. “As the day goes on, air quality will continue to improve and the low clouds will slowly decrease for some afternoon sun. Highs will be cooler in the low-70s, but still above average from our normal 65 degrees.”
Not much will change over the next few days
Allard said he didn’t see much change over the next few days. There should be some morning clouds and then afternoon sun with highs in the low to mid-70s.
Even though it’s only Tuesday, many of us live for the weekend. Allard believes “high pressure will build a bit and temperatures will be a little warmer into the mid or upper 70s in Seattle Saturday and Sunday.”
However, the smoke could return this coming weekend depending on the wind direction.
Smoke may return next week
Next week, there could be cooler temperatures and maybe a chance of rain. However, if you are a sun-seeker, you can count your blessings – this is still “bonus” weather for our extended summer.
