Smoky Tri-Cities skies finally clearing. But shifting winds means it won’t last long
The Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo kicked off in Kennewick on Tuesday with clearer skies compared to Monday’s unhealthy aid conditions.
The relief may be temporary.
The Washington Department of Ecology and the Benton Clean Air Agency extended an air quality alert to noon, Wednesday, as the forecast shows shifting wind patterns could clear wildfire smoke out of the region one moment, then bring it back the next.
The air quality index improved dramatically Tuesday morning, but northerly winds could bring the smoke back overnight.
The air quality alert affects all counties in Central and Eastern Washington.
The National Weather Service predicts a 50% chance of showers in the Tri-Cities on Tuesday and widespread haze after 2 p.m. and continuing into Wednesday morning.
The forecast calls for a high of 78 degrees on Wednesday.
The extended forecast calls for a highs in the mid-80s on Thursday and Friday, with modest chances of overnight rain. The weekend will see sunny conditions with highs around 90.
Conditions can change rapidly. Bookmark these websites to stay up to date.
Smoke conditions and outlook: Washington Smoke Blog
Air quality index: AirNow.gov
National Weather Service Pendleton Forecast Office.
Where the fires are: Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
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