I can provide accurate information on both smoke and rain.
As predicted by high-resolution models, winds have turned easterly (from the east) over the Cascades, pushing smoke into western Washington and Oregon.
Satellite images visible this morning show thick smoke over the area (below). You can see smoke drifting around the Olympics into the Pacific Ocean. Looks like smoke-free hiking near Snoqualmie Pass and on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.
Smoke has risen to the surface around Puget Sound and southwest Washington. Red is poor quality and purple is even worse. Smoke was still rising as of this morning over San Juans.
Here in Seattle, I can smell the smoke outside and the Seattle PanoCam no doubt (see below – at 12:30pm)
All of this from a few small fires.
The Northwest is the smoke capital of the United States today (see below), while California is virtually smoke-free.
I hate to say this, but Sunday will still be warm and smoky (around 80F high). But there will be a cooling off (in the upper 60s) next week and a gradual reduction in smoke.
Rain
Rain starting next weekend is a certainty. The American model has joined Central Europe in dumping rainfall out of the region. Aggregates of multiple forecasts are all on the same page.
Everyone…one more week, the smoky and warm summer will be over….and maybe some of you will miss it.
I will show you.
This is the total rainfall for the 48 hours ending at 5am next Sunday. In the mountains is humid, but Puget Sound and the Willamette Valley will enjoy some rain.
The next 48 hours will bring even more.
This rain will end the local bushfire season. The temperature will not exceed 50s. You will be looking for hot cider and your sunglasses will have to be put away.
