Washington Air Quality Forecast: Smoke Lingers For Another Day

SEATTLE, WA — Reduced air quality and critical fire conditions will continue across the region through at least Thursday, as temperatures in some areas climb into record territory, according to the latest forecasts.

Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma recorded air quality levels in the unhealthy range Wednesday morning. The air in most other cities remains unhealthy for sensitive groups, as seen on the Department of Ecology's live map.

According to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, air quality will fluctuate between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups into Thursday, with the potential for impacts possible into early next week when westerly winds finally bring in clean ocean air.

The smoke, which was initially forecast to clear out Tuesday, continues to pour over the Cascades thanks to persistent easterly winds, according to the National Weather Service. An air quality alert is now extended until 11 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters are also tracking "a substantial amount of smoke" offshore of Oregon and California, which have the potential to shift northward Thursday night.

At the same time, several wildfires are burning in Pierce County, prompting evacuations in some areas and further impacting air quality locally. The Sumner Grade Fire has burned at least 800 acres and is just 20 percent contained.

Related: South Sound Wildfires Cause Closures, Evacuations, Power Outages

Humidity levels up and down Puget Sound are hovering between 20 and 30 percent, and afternoon temperatures could break seasonal highs across Western Washington. The extreme conditions have the state on high alert after flames tore across 330,000 acres on Monday.

A red flag warning remains in effect until at least Thursday night. Burn bans were upgraded across the region Tuesday, limiting all outdoor burning except barbecues.

According to the National Weather Service's extended outlook, temperatures could cool by a few degrees Friday and Saturday but will remain above normal. The first chance of rain won't arrive until Monday at the earliest.

Find information about the potential health impacts of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself on the Washington State Department of Health website.