The 2023 Seattle smoke season has come in fits and starts with preparations starting with a bout in early July as wildfire — and 4th of July fireworks — added to the haze. This weekend, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says the skies above Seattle could again reach “unhealthy” smoke levels by Sunday
Winds are likely to shift overnight Friday and into Saturday AM. Wildfire smoke is likely to reach Snohomish County Saturday morning, with smoke continuing to move south throughout the day. Concentrations could reach MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS through most of the Puget Sound on Sat with worsening smoke on Sun that could UNHEALTHY or worse at times.
“Limit your exposure outside and use air purifiers, if available,” the agency advises.
The National Weather Service is currently predicting “areas of smoke” through Sunday night with clearing beginning Monday as winds shift. One thing you probably won’t have to worry about is Hurricane Hilary as it degrades and passes over Southern California dumping years’ worth of rain. Some forecasts show the “cone of uncertainty” and impacts from the storm reaching into Washington in the form of gusty winds. Continue reading