PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — KATU is continuing its Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert for poor air quality and high heat across the region.
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Air quality in Portland and the Willamette Valley has plummeted since wildfire smoke moved west Tuesday.
This morning, the Air Quality Index is between Moderate and Unhealthy.
The worst air quality is near Mount Hood, where the Grasshopper Fire is still burning. Mt. Hood Meadows remains under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation order, while Timberline Lodge and Government Camp are under a Level 1 – Get Ready evacuation order.
“This is the worst we’ve had all summer and all season so far,” said Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Matt Gontarek. “You can definitely smell it as you head out the door.”
The smoke continues to move westward before shifting south after it reaches Portland. Offshore flow will begin to ease today before westerly winds help push the smoke back to the east.
“The latest forecast models show the smoke beginning to move later this evening,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “We should see a pretty significant improvement in air quality once that wind really kicks in tomorrow.”
The smoke will remain over the region until Friday, when onshore flow becomes the dominant weather pattern.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect as temperatures climb into the mid- to upper 90s Wednesday. It’s possible those temperatures could be held down by the wildfire smoke. Tuesday’s high at Portland International Airport reached only 90 degrees. The forecast high was 95.
The Heat Advisory has also been extended through Thursday night. If the onshore flow clears enough smoke from the area, high temperatures could easily climb back into the upper 90s Thursday.
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By Friday, a brief respite arrives as northerly winds bring cooler air into the region and help clear out any remaining smoke. Highs Friday will top out in the upper 80s, and the weekend looks warm, with highs returning to the 90s.
