Take a deep breath.
A satellite image visible this morning (July 1) shows no evidence of smoke anywhere over the Pacific Northwest.
This clean air status is confirmed by air quality observations provided by the EPA AirNow network (below). Green indicates excellent air quality,
There is currently only one small fire burning in the Northwest: the Roza Creek Fire (about 700 acres) between Yakima and Ellensburg. This fire, which mainly burns in grass, is now 75% contained and can be traced back to human error. Strong afternoon and evening sloping winds sustained it, but such winds should weaken for two days.
The 4th of July Threat
Grasses and small vegetation are now dry enough to burn east of Washington, with afternoon/dark winds along and east of the eastern Cascades adding to the threat.
There is now a red flag alert for much of eastern Washington (see below). That shows the possibility of forest fire is very high.
All that is needed is a source of ignition, such as fireworks. The chart of historic Northwest fires by day (below) shows the BIG peak on July 4. First day of the year.
And the supply of fireworks also contributed to the fires in the weeks that followed. Wildfires can also be started with barbecues, campfires, and shooting practices.
So be careful on July 4th.
Due to significant rainfall in 2022 and early 2023, grasses east of the Cascades are affected especially abundant.
start up
Conditions will be warm, but not extreme, this week. In western Washington, temperatures will rise mid to above 80 degrees Celsius by midweek, with temperatures rising to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Tri-Cities (see projections below). Interestingly, the extended projections are suggesting a return to a spring elongation pattern, with California lows.
This pattern could bring below-normal temperatures for California and a return of thunderstorms to the Northwest.
More on that in a future blog.
