Aloft Wildfire Smoke Possible This Week Over Western Washington

SEATTLE — Several wildfires burning east of the Cascades could filter some wildfire smoke over Western Washington this week, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. However, officials believe the smoke should stay at high elevation, limiting air quality impacts on the ground, but potentially lending to some hazy skies.

"More upper level smoke will pass overhead this week," the agency wrote Monday. "Minimal ground level impacts expected at this time. Air quality should be GOOD to MODERATE. Will update if conditions change."

The Environmental Protection Agency's "AirNow" map showed several smoke plumes lingering east of the region Monday afternoon, resulting from several active blazes, including the Cow Canyon Fire and Vantage Highway Fire burning near Ellensburg. Air quality around Puget Sound remained largely in the good range.

The Washington Smoke Blog's forecast showed moderate air quality possible for King and Pierce counties through Friday.

Residents can check the latest air quality conditions near them via AirNow and catch up with evolving smoke forecasts via the Washington Smoke Blog and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.