Explore

USA Today USA Today
Wildfires spread hazardous smoke across multiple states. See maps

Wildfires spread hazardous smoke across multiple states. See maps

Seattle and Portland briefly ranked within the top 10 cities in the world with the worst air quality the morning of Aug. 6.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Wildfire Smoke Degrades Air Quality in Snohomish County

Wildfire Smoke Degrades Air Quality in Snohomish County

Snohomish County is experiencing degraded air quality due to smoke from nearby wildfires. The smoke, originating from fires in Spokane and British Columbia, has created an orange haze over the region, affecting air quality levels. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has reported that the air quality index in Everett has reached levels unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant individuals, older adults, and children. Residents are advised to limit exposure and use masks to reduce inhalation of smoke particles.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Seattle and Western Washington Brace for Heat and Wildfire Smoke

Seattle and Western Washington Brace for Heat and Wildfire Smoke

Seattle and Western Washington are preparing for a combination of high temperatures and wildfire smoke this week. The region is expected to experience a heatwave, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-80s, and potentially higher in some areas. Wildfire smoke from Canada is anticipated to affect air quality, with the worst conditions expected on Wednesday and Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential for thick surface smoke, which could lead to unhealthy air quality levels. Residents are advised to monitor air quality reports and take precautions, especially those with respiratory conditions.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Seattle Faces Unhealthy Air Quality as Wildfire Smoke Engulfs the Region

Seattle Faces Unhealthy Air Quality as Wildfire Smoke Engulfs the Region

Seattle is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to smoke from wildfires in central British Columbia and North-Central Washington. The National Weather Service forecasts that the smoke will persist for a few days, affecting air quality and visibility. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a wildfire smoke alert, advising residents, especially sensitive groups, to take precautions. The smoke is part of a broader pattern of increasing wildfire activity in the region, exacerbated by high temperatures and dry conditions.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Impact Air Quality in Seattle and Portland

Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Impact Air Quality in Seattle and Portland

Smoke from numerous wildfires in the Northwest is expected to affect air quality in Seattle, Portland, and other cities in the region. The fires, primarily burning in eastern Oregon and Washington, have already destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. Changing wind patterns are expected to carry smoke into western parts of these states, including major urban areas along the Interstate 5 corridor. The smoke is anticipated to linger for several days, potentially exacerbating health issues for residents. The situation is compounded by record heat, with temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees in Seattle and 100 in Portland.
1Weather 1Weather
Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Bring Unhealthy Air to Seattle and Portland

Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Bring Unhealthy Air to Seattle and Portland

Smoke from numerous wildfires in Oregon and Washington is forecast to move into western parts of both states, including major cities like Seattle and Portland. The smoke is expected to degrade air quality to unhealthy levels, particularly along the Interstate 5 corridor and in the Willamette Valley. Cities such as Tacoma, Olympia, Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene are also likely to be affected. Ground-level smoke may extend as far south as Salt Lake City. This situation is compounded by record-high temperatures, with Seattle potentially reaching 90°F (32°C) and Portland nearing 100°F (38°C). However, dense smoke could slightly reduce these temperatures. The smoke is expected to persist at least through Wednesday, with some improvement possible later in the week as cooler weather arrives.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Seattle Faces First Smoke Season of 2026 with Air Quality Concerns

Seattle Faces First Smoke Season of 2026 with Air Quality Concerns

Seattle is experiencing the onset of its 2026 smoke season, with air quality forecasts indicating 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' conditions due to smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and North-Central Washington. The National Weather Service predicts that the smoke will persist for a few days, with relief expected as onshore winds bring cooler temperatures. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a wildfire smoke alert, advising residents, especially those with health vulnerabilities, to take precautions. This includes staying indoors, using air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities.
1Weather 1Weather
Air Quality Alert Issued Amid Wildfire Smoke in Western Washington

Air Quality Alert Issued Amid Wildfire Smoke in Western Washington

An Air Quality Alert has been issued for seven counties in western Washington as wildfire smoke continues to degrade air quality in the region. The Air Quality Index (AQI), a standardized measure for pollutants, is being used to assess the health risks posed by the current conditions. The AQI evaluates multiple pollutants, including PM2.5 (fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke), ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, converting their concentrations into a single health-risk score. Current AQI levels in some areas have reached unhealthy levels, with hazy skies reported across the region. Additionally, a Heat Advisory is in effect for most of western Washington, with temperatures reaching 83°F (28°C) today and expected to rise to 86°F (30°C) on Thursday.
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfire Smoke to Drift East as Heat Builds in Northwest

Wildfire Smoke to Drift East as Heat Builds in Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a significant shift in weather as wildfire smoke from Oregon and Washington is predicted to drift eastward into the Rocky Mountains starting Thursday. This change in wind patterns will bring smoky conditions to areas including Yellowstone National Park and Aspen, Colorado, while Boise and Salt Lake City will experience ground smoke, impacting air quality. Residents in these regions are advised to monitor air quality indexes and take necessary health precautions, especially those with respiratory sensitivities. In parallel, the Northwest is currently under the grip of a severe heatwave, with Seattle nearing 90°F and Portland expecting mid-90s temperatures, potentially breaking records. This intense heat, coupled with dry conditions, creates a heightened risk for further wildfire ignition. The forecast for the weekend indicates strong gusts exceeding 30 mph, increasing concerns about new fire starts and rapid spread. Fortunately, a cooling trend is expected to bring relie...
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfire Smoke and Heat Impact Portland Area

Wildfire Smoke and Heat Impact Portland Area

The Portland area is experiencing smoky conditions due to wildfire activity, combined with a heat wave bringing near triple-digit temperatures. Multnomah County officials have issued air quality alerts and are urging residents to take steps to maintain clean indoor air. Current temperatures are around 78°F (25.6°C), with highs expected to reach 91°F (32.8°C) in the coming days. The smoke has led to an increase in hospital visits, particularly among individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Residents are encouraged to use air purifiers or create DIY air cleaners using MERV 13 filters and box fans. [Source time: 2026-08-05T22:10:26+00:00]
1Weather 1Weather
Air Quality Alert Issued for Western Washington Amid Smoky Skies

Air Quality Alert Issued for Western Washington Amid Smoky Skies

An Air Quality Alert has been issued for several counties in western Washington, including King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Thurston. The alert is in effect through 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The region is experiencing smoky skies due to nearby wildfires, which have worsened air quality. Current weather conditions in Everett are reported as smoky, with temperatures at 65°F (18°C). The forecast for the coming days indicates sunny weather with highs of 86°F (30°C) on Wednesday and 87°F (31°C) on Thursday.
1Weather 1Weather
Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory Issued for Western Washington

Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory Issued for Western Washington

An Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory have been issued for western Washington, affecting seven counties including King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Thurston. The Air Quality Alert is due to heavy wildfire smoke that has blanketed the region, leading to hazy skies and reduced air quality. The Heat Advisory highlights the ongoing hot weather conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 86°F (30°C) on Thursday and 84°F (29°C) on Friday. These conditions are exacerbated by the smoke, which can pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Source time: Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:39:06 GMT.