The Northwest is Now Smoke-Free. Let's Keep it That Way.

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Posted by - Latinos Media -

on - July 2, 2023 -

Filed in - Weather -

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Take a deep breath.

A visible satellite image this morning (July 1), shows no evidence of smoke anywhere over the Pacific Northwest.

This clean air situation is confirmed by air quality observations provided by the EPA AirNow network (below). Green indicates excellent air quality,

There is only one small fire burning right now in the Northwest: the Roza Creek Fire (about 700 acres) between Yakima and Ellensburg. This fire, burning mainly in grass, is now 75% contained and probably started by human error. Strong downslope winds during the afternoon and evening have sustained it, but such winds should weaken in two days.

The July 4th Threat

Grasses and small vegetation are now dry enough to burn in eastern Washington, with afternoon/evening winds along and east of the eastern Cascade slopes adding to the threat.

There is now a red flag warning out for much of eastern Washington (see below). That indicates the acute potential for wildfire.

All that is needed is an ignition source, such as fireworks. A plot of historical Northwest fires by date (below) shows a HUGE peak on July 4th. The number one day of the year.

And the supply of fireworks contributes to fires during the subsequent weeks as well. Wildfires can also be started by errant barbecues, campfires, and shooting practice.

So please be careful on July 4th.

Because of substantial precipitation in 2022 and early 2023, the grasses east of the Cascade crest are particularly bountiful.

We are starting the three-month northwest fire season with below-normal fire numbers, and with little lightning expected during the next week, virtually all fire starts will be human-caused and thus avoidable.

The Warm Up

Conditions should be warm, but not extreme, this week. In western Washington, temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 80s by mid-week, with temperatures rising to near 100F in the Tri-Cities (see predictions below). Interestingly, the extended forecasts are suggesting a return to the persistent pattern of spring, with a trough over California.

This pattern could bring below-normal temperatures to California and the return of thunderstorms to the Northwest.

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The Northwest is Now Smoke-Free. Let's Keep it That Way.

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