The haze just can't stay away: Wildfire smoke drifts into Seattle, again

Seattle’s been hit hard this year by hovering wildfire smoke.

Over the summer, smoke from British Columbia and Oregon made the air quality in the Puget Sound some of the worst in the United States. Ash fell on vehicles in places across Western Washington in early September.

>> Visit this link for a real-time air quality map monitoring Puget Sound.

And it's happening again, this time with smoke drifting into the Northwest from California wildfires. Though not as intense as the summer's haze, the smoke over the late fall weekend left a yellowish cast over the city.

%

%

On KIRO 7 News at 5, we’re tracking how it's affecting travelers and air quality. Watch on-air or online here. 

What's causing this?

A destructive Southern California wildfire exploded in size over the weekend, becoming the fifth largest in state history. The blaze broke out a week ago in Ventura County.

Scroll down to keep reading

Related headlines

• Air Stagnation Advisory extended until Thursday; some counties under burn bans
• What does smoke from California wildfires look like from space?
• What does smoke from California wildfires look like on a map?
• PHOTOS: California wildfires from the International Space Station
• Just how bad is the Puget Sound air? This map will tell you

DOWNLOAD THE FREE KIRO 7 WEATHER APP

It’s usually not this dry in California this time of year. Usually, there is enough rainfall, that vegetation wouldn't’ be bone dry. But strong winds during late fall in Southern California are normal.

And over the weekend, smoke from that fire drifted into Seattle.

"We have a combination of already stagnant air because of the temperature inversion and now the added smoke and haze from the California wildfires," KIRO 7 PinPoint Meteorologist Nick Allard said.

Temperature inversion is when a warmer layer of air stays above cool air and pollution trapped at the surface.

%

%

"As of right now [Monday afternoon] the Air Stagnation issue will be a problem through at least Thursday before we see some rain return on Friday. Expect air quality in the moderate to unhealthy range, which is a problem for people with respiratory issues"

What else should I know about the air quality?

The smoke in Seattle partially resulted in an Air Stagnation Advisory and burn ban in King County. The burn ban has since been lifted. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says air quality is continuing to deteriorate across the Puget Sound region.

A high-pressure system remains over Western Washington, causing cold and calm weather conditions and preventing wind from blowing away air pollution.

The Weather Service says the limited movement of an air mass across the advisory area will cause pollution to increase to dangerous levels. Those with respiratory illness should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution.

Cox Media Group