PORTLAND, Ore. — Wildfire smoke is increasing in the air above the Portland area and is expected to impact air quality on Thursday. Temperatures will be at a high of 94 degrees.
KGW is issuing a Weather Impact Alert Day for Thursday due to the combination of reduced air quality and expected temperatures in the low 90s for Portland and Salem.
Wildfire smoke continues to migrate into the valley Thursday, with the Air Quality Advisory in effect for Salem, Portland, Vancouver and Longview/Kelso until 8 p.m. Thursday. Wildfire smoke and haze may thicken through early afternoon but will begin thinning out Thursday evening, as light northeast winds veer to the west and pick up a bit, bringing clearing air quality Friday, according to KGW's Rod Hill.
Also, high temperatures into the 90s may trigger increased ozone, furthering air quality concerns.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Southwest Clean Air Agency in Washington have issued Air Quality Advisories for the region until 8 p.m. Thursday, warning of smoke and ozone. Air quality could reach unhealthy levels at certain times on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
KGW's Matt Zaffino said air quality in Portland is likely to remain moderate or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" at the worst, but areas closer to wildfires such as the Columbia River Gorge and Cascades can expect to see more of an impact.
Temperatures are expected to drop back to around 90 on Friday and then into the 80s after that, Zaffino said. Next week is expected to get hazy again, as wildfire smoke from the north drifts south over the Willamette Valley. Air quality should remain good, however, as the smoke should stay elevated.
When
Portland temperatures will top out in the low 90s Thursday, and at the same time, air quality will decline due to wildfire smoke. Areas east of Portland could see worse air quality.
Impact
High temperatures increase the possibility of heat stroke, fatigue and dehydration, and poor air quality can cause eye and nose irritation and exacerbate existing heart and lung conditions or other health problems.
Need
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity when air quality declines. If you have outdoor plans or need to work outdoors, try to limit your exposure, and make sure you're planning to pack extra water and stay hydrated due to the heat. Keep updated with daily forecasts as KGW meteorologists track the risk factor.
What are Weather Impact Alert days?
It’s our goal to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the weather and its impact on you. The new KGW Weather Impact Alerts will be just that, alerts as far in advance as possible, so that you can be armed with accurate information to keep yourself and your family safe.