Washington Smoke Forecast: An End In Sight?

SEATTLE — The worst of the smoky air may have come and gone Saturday, but forecasters say Sunday won't be much of a treat either.

The National Weather Service released new smoke models late Saturday. The models show heavy smoke continuing to churn in from off the coast all through the day Sunday.

As shown in the model below, the worst air (represented in purple) has already passed overhead and on its way east, but skies will remain thick and smoky until Monday, when forecasters say residents may finally get some reprieve.

Another cause for optimism: forecasters are predicting a possibility of rain Tuesday through Thursday.

The rain could do wonders grounding that smoke, but in the meantime, we're stuck with it. It's no surprise it's causing problems considering the plume's size. Satellite aerials give a glimpse at just how massive this smoke plume is— at one point it extended more than 800 miles off the coast of Washington.

As expected, the smoke, most of which is pouring in from massive wildfires burning south in Oregon and California, has caused air quality to plummet in western Washington. However, as the worst of the plume has passed, conditions are expected to improve, but only marginally at first. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says they predict the air quality will improve from "unhealthy" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by Sunday night. Unfortunately, they say it's likely to remain at that level through the middle of the week, so those sensitive to smoke will have to continue to take extra precautions.

The National Weather Service has also issued an air quality alert, and dense smoke advisory, both of which are active until at least Monday morning.

While the air remains unhealthy, the state Department of Health recommends that residents:

• Stay updated on the air quality forecast.
• Avoid strenuous exercise outside when the air is smoky.
• Ask their doctor for guidance if they have asthma or other lung disease and their condition worsens.
• Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed to keep smoke out.
• Improve air filtration in your home, run an air conditioner and re-circulate the air if possible. Remember to change the filter as necessary.
• Avoid using candles, incense, sprays, fireplaces or stoves that may make indoor air pollution worse. Don't smoke cigarettes indoors.
• Avoid vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter.
• Finally, if the air quality is poor and it's not possible to improve your air indoors, consider leaving the area, especially if you or your family are having health problems or are sensitive to smoke.

More tips for improving your home's air quality can be found on the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's website.