Poor air quality continues but a cool down is on the way

Our air quality has been unhealthy for the last week. Some areas this morning have some improvement in smoke, in comparison to the last few days, but it doesn’t look like the region in general is getting much relief. Winds coming from the north-northwest should help clear some areas, but hurt others. Wildfires are surrounding Central Oregon so it’s not likely that air quality will be “good” in the near future.  We'll be around the "moderate" to "slightly unhealthy" level today.

Temperatures remain hot today, in the 90s. Tomorrow is when we start to see those temperatures dip into the 80s and by the start of next week, we’ll be enjoying a nice cool down into the mid and low 80s. These cooler temperatures will be all thanks to a trough, or an upper level low, that will take over the PNW by Monday. Lows for the next seven days will be in the 40s and 50s.

Moisture still sits over our area so we’ll see lingering clouds today and tomorrow as well. We cannot completely rule out a chance of spotty showers and thunderstorms today and tomorrow. It looks, though, as if they’re more likely to occur on Saturday. The chance is on the low side, but is still something to watch for. Fire danger raises with these conditions, as gusty winds and dry lightning could increase fire growth or start new fires. Breezy conditions early next week will contribute to these concerns.

Smokey the Bear's 80th Birthday is this weekend, which should serve as a great reminder to always practice fire safety. Many wildfires are preventable!

Happy Friday, have a great weekend.


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