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... 
