Updated
Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 6
East Winds Clear Western Washington Smoke as Seattle Nears 91-Degree Aug. 6 Record
Updated
Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 6

East Winds Clear Western Washington Smoke as Seattle Nears 91-Degree Aug. 6 Record

3 articles · Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 6

Summary

  • Thursday night winds are expected to push wildfire smoke out of Western Washington, with forecasters saying residents should notice better air by Friday afternoon.
  • Until then, an air quality alert remains in effect until 5 p.m. and a heat advisory until 10 p.m., as smoke makes conditions unhealthy for some people and worsens asthma and other respiratory problems.
  • Seattle highs on Thursday are forecast to come within 2 degrees of the city's 91-degree record for Aug. 6, with much of the region nearing 90 before cooler air arrives.
  • Temperatures should ease to the mid-80s Friday, low 80s Saturday and the mid-70s by Sunday, when the National Weather Service expects more normal sunny conditions.

Insights

Will the very winds predicted to clear the toxic smoke actually ignite catastrophic new fires across the Cascades this weekend?
As toxic smoke temporarily suppresses extreme heat, are we ignoring a hidden, long-term health crisis brewing for trapped residents?
With mandatory heat breaks for outdoor workers, how will local industries survive the dual threat of toxic air and soaring temperatures?