A radar graphic shared Tuesday evening showed the insane deluge of smoke drenching the U.S. in August.
The graphic spans an area encompassing most of Oregon, parts of Idaho, Northern California and Washington as huge swaths of smoke move northeasterly before pouring down southwards from Canada, as shared by the National Weather Service’s Boise account. Though there is no specific key to show the exact data on the density of the smoke, it seems pretty self-explanatory.
Along with the smoke, the graphic shows active wildfires at the time of writing, of which there seemed to be a countless number.
Here’s a look at the latest smoke forecast. Recent lightning active has increased the number of fires across the Pacific NW. #idwx #orwx pic.twitter.com/fyJ5ydd6tM
— NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) August 6, 2024
At least 21 states were battling wildfires as of Wednesday morning, with 14 of these being in Idaho, eight in Washington, and 29 across Oregon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. More than a million acres has burned in Oregon in the year to-date, with only one wildfire currently contained as five new ones burst into life in recent days.
Our firefighters are working hard around the Pacific Northwest to keep you safe. The best way to thank them is to prevent the next wildfire by being aware of campfire restrictions. Find them here: https://t.co/7dJa7wcpyh
📷 Falls Fire by the Oregon State Fire Marshall pic.twitter.com/bkeBKWViOs
— BLM Oregon & Washington (@BLMOregon) August 2, 2024
Residents of Seattle, Washington, are being told to prepare for a “haze-filled weekend” as smoke from across the Pacific Northwest makes its way into the region, according to the Seattle Medium. (RELATED: Wild Videos Show Hurricane Debby’s Landfall With The Worst Likely Still Ahead Of Us)
I want to take a moment thank the 24 members of @PDXFire who were recently deployed across Oregon to assist with this historic wildfire season. When it comes to forest fires, every corner of our state feels the effects – from the loss of property, natural areas, and worsening… pic.twitter.com/E7vFIAyebk
— Commissioner Rene Gonzalez (@CommissionerRG) August 3, 2024
☀️ We hope you’re enjoying the great air quality out there this morning across SE Idaho following yesterdays thunderstorms! Changes are on the way however with increasing wildfire smoke expected to build in overnight tonight into Wednesday from larger fires to our west. #idwx pic.twitter.com/yDQeltI4IO
— NWS Pocatello (@NWSPocatello) August 6, 2024
Good #SundayMorning. We are thinking of our personnel across the west supporting wildfire firefighting efforts. #TMFR has more than 30 personnel deployed in NV, ID, UT, and OR. This clip is from the #LimepointFire in Idaho courtesy of FF/PM Roberts. #wildfireseason2024 pic.twitter.com/NEFTJ3Zh67
— Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (@TMFPD) August 4, 2024
Weather patterns continue to shift across the area, which makes forecasting hard to do. The current patterns suggest Seattle residents will be treated to vivid sunsets and sunrises but a shift could push much of the smoke away by the weekend. Wind speeds, heights of smoke plumes, and the overall volume of smoke will dictate the long-term outcomes, so be sure to check your local forecast and air quality index before leaving the house.
