Wind chimes are ringing, leaves on trees are rustling, window shades are banging, the smell of smoke is fading, and there is a feeling of normality and well-being. The normal balance of nature is being restored. It is almost a religious experience.
Technically, we are experiencing an onshore or marine push, also known as the Northwest's natural air conditioning, and it it being forced by an approaching upper-level trough (see upper level map)
Temperatures at 9 PM at Sea Tac was 65F tonight...it was 79F last night....an impressive 14F decline. And we are just getting started. Visibility has improved at all regional airports.
What you really want to know about is air quality. The HRRRsmoke model forecast for 9 PM shows the coast pretty clear, but with residual smoke inland, particularly over central Puget Sound. That is consistent with the red moon I see outside.
But the story at 9 AM Thursday is amazingly better, with the lowland pretty much cleaned up, with the sole exception being around the Maple fire over the SE Olympic mountains and its plume extending to the NW. Those living in western WA will feel energized and reborn.
But as in life, there are winners and losers.
Western Washington wins. Eastern Washington loses. Smoke from fires over the eastern slopes of the Cascades will flood eastern WA and Idaho, and increasing winds associated with the changes will increase fire threats on the eastern Cascade slopes. Enjoy the change.
from Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog https://ift.tt/2o2c0nf
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