(Image: star.nesdis.noaa.gov)

Mount Rainier is not erupting but Seattle skies will be darkened this weekend as a late smoke season arrives over the city.

Forecasted winds from the northeast of the state are predicted to continue to carry smoke from area wildfires over Seattle and the Puget Sound. Friday’s morning sky already had a haze though air quality readings remained at healthy levels. Saturday’s layer is predicted to bring a much smokier day along with temperatures pushing 90 F.

Currently, the National Weather Service forecasts list “haze” as Seattle’s official weather condition for Friday and Saturday with clearing by Sunday morning.

Officials are also warning of dry and breezy weather bringing more fires to the areas closer to Seattle and are urging caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a blaze.

Sorry, Seattle, but a most-unwelcome visitor has returned.

Expect hazy skies today, and especially tomorrow, as wildfire smoke from the eastern side of the state funnels into Puget Sound.

— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) September 9, 2022

It’s a similar situation to 2021’s smoke season that hit the city in mid-August and also paired with excessive heat to create unhealthy air quality conditions.

In 2020, meanwhile, Seattle smoke season didn’t arrive until September with a “super massive” smoke plume covering the city with gross air for a week.

If the air quality index spikes, officials recommend limiting outdoor activities while the smoke remains and keeping doors and windows closed. Also know that typical COVID-19 masks probably won’t do much. The EPA has some tips on other ways to improve your air quality at home but if you haven’t already purchased an air filter system, there isn’t much help. If you’re feeling crafty, this DIY filter might be the way to go. Others are recommending draping a lightly damp towel over the back of your fan as a simple but only slightly effective filter. Be careful mixing water, cloth, and electricity.

You can follow updates on the air quality situation from pscleanair.gov. You can also check out the fire.airnow.gov map to find community air quality sensors around Capitol Hill and the city.

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