Smoke and Rain Update

 I can provide definitive information about both smoke and rain.

As predicted by high-resolution models, the winds have turned easterly (from the east) over the Cascades, pushing smoke into western Washington and Oregon.

The visible satellite imagery this morning shows the smoky miasma over the region (below).  You can see the smoke passing around the Olympics into the Pacific.    Looks like smoke-free hiking near Snoqualmie Pass and on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

The smoke has reached the surface around Puget Sound and southwest Washington.   Red is poor quality and purple is even worse.    The smoke is staying aloft as of this morning over the San Juans.

Here in Seattle, I can smell smoke outside and the Seattle PanoCam leaves no doubt (see below--at 12:30 PM)

All of this from a few minor fires.  

The Northwest is the smoke capital of the U.S. today (see below), while California is nearly smoke-free.

I hate to say this, but Sunday will remain warm and smoky (high around 80F).   But there will be cooling (into the upper 60s) next week and gradually reducing smoke.

Rain

   The rain starting next weekend is a very sure thing.  The American model has joined the European Center in dumping precipitation over the region.  The ensembles of many forecasts are all on the same page.

Folks...a week from now, the warm, smoky summer will be over.... and perhaps some of you will miss it.

Let me show you.

Here is the 48-h rainfall totals ending 5 AM next Sunday.  Wet in the mountains, but Puget Sound and the Willamette Valley will enjoy some rain shadowing.

The next 48-h will bring even more.

This rain will end the local wildfire season. Temperatures will not climb above the 50s.  You will be looking for hot cider and your sunglasses will have to be stowed away.