If you thought Seattle looked strangely hazy today, you weren’t imagining it. Wildfire smoke in the Seattle area has brought the air quality to such an unhealthy level that Seattleites are being instructed to limit time spent outdoors.
The National Weather Service has issued an unhealthy air quality alert for King County. The alert is in effect now and will stay through Thursday night.
The air quality in Seattle is currently at an unhealthy level for all groups due to smoke from wildfires burning in the Cascades. In some parts of Seattle today the air quality is nearing 200 (a healthy, normal air quality of “good” is between 0 and 50).
“Everyone, especially sensitive groups, should limit time spent outdoors, avoid strenuous activities outdoors, and choose light indoor activities,” the NWS said in its unhealthy air quality alert.
We continue to see air quality at UNHEALTHY levels in Sno Co as well as most of King and Pierce Co. Areas close to the fires may see higher levels. These conditions will likely continue through today. Smoke will linger until a storm arrives Fri/Sat. pic.twitter.com/Csr2DJd1p7
— PS Clean Air Agency (@pscleanair) October 19, 2022
The good news is that Seattle is expected to get rain this Friday, which should help to disperse the smoke. Seattle will get more rainfall this weekend than in the past four months.
In the meantime, make sure to read our guide to protecting yourself from wildfire smoke and try to stay indoors until the air quality in Seattle is healthier.