Out with the old smoke — but here comes the new. And it could stick around

Don’t expect the horizon to be any clearer Friday.

The Tri-Cities, hemmed in by wildfires in Oregon and Idaho, let alone Washington, can expect to see little to no change in air quality, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture forecaster Rick Graw.

Wind patterns from a mild weather system that meteorologists have been expecting will blow from the south, bringing new smoke with it as it pushes out old smoke in the morning.

By afternoon, the system is predicted to slow further still, leaving Benton and Franklin counties socked in. Some outdoor school and entertainment events have been canceled or postponed.

Most schools are waiting until noon Friday to make a final decision.

At the same time, the USDA predicts more severe fire weather across the east side of the state.

That means firefighters will get no help in controlling the blazes — especially the Jolly Mountain fire near Cle Elem.

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, the Tri-Cities’ air quality was stuck at “very unhealthy,” according to the Benton Clean Air Agency.

Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities and keep windows closed, they advised.

The National Weather Service’s air quality alert will remain in effect until noon Friday.

There could be some slight improvement as the day warms, said Tyler Thompson, air quality specialist at the Benton Clean Air Agency. Air quality typically deteriorates at night and improves during the day.

The National Weather Service predicts patchy smoke to stick around until at least Wednesday.

New low-visibility records could be broken by the smoke, with a record already set in August.

Last month, the Hanford Meteorological Service recorded 10 days with visibility of less than six miles and as little as three-quarters of a mile because of wildfire smoke. The previous record was eight days in September 2012.

The Washington State Patrol is asking drivers to turn on their lights during the day for better visibility on roadways.

Interstate 84 on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge remained closed Thursday between Hood River and Troutdale. And the Historic Columbia River Highway that parallels I-84 also is closed indefinitely because of fallen rocks and trees.

Oregon was still diverting traffic, except commercial trucks, to take Highway 14 on the Washington side of the river.

Health officials say those who must be outdoors in the smoke should wear an N-95 respirator mask, which may be purchased at hardware stores, though some report being sold out.

People with chronic illnesses or who have had a stroke are particularly at risk when air quality is poor.

Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or 911.

This story was originally published September 7, 2017 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Out with the old smoke — but here comes the new. And it could stick around."