Wildfire smoke is back in Seattle area; here's how long it will stay

Haze crept back into the Seattle area as wildfires burned near Cle Elum.

KIRO 7 meteorologists expect the smoke will linger until Tuesday. Winds are expected to blow it out, though it’s unclear whether the smoke will return.

The last time wildfire smoke lingered, wildfires in British Columbia were to blame. It caused the air quality in the area to be some of the worst in the United States.

This time, it’s the Jolly Mountain fire near Cle Elum that started Aug. 11 from lightning and has burned more than 4,400 acres. Smoke from fires in Oregon are also contributing to our smoky skies.

An evacuation shelter will be opened in Cle Elum Wednesday evening for evacuees of the Jolly Mountain Fire. The shelter will be open at the Putnam Centennial Center at 4:30 p.m.

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"Unfortunately, until we get prolonged rains in the fall, some of the largest fires -- especially in British Columbia -- will continue to burn,"  said KIRO 7 Pinpoint Meteorologist Morgan Palmer.

"When we have hotter weather and the flow of air isn't off the Pacific, we'll see some of the smoke sneak back into our area."

There's a red flag warning in the Cascades through Tuesday but no burn bans. Air quality is good in most places in Western Washington. Check an interactive map to see specifically what the air quality is around your home here.

Cox Media Group