Update: I-90 to Spokane reopens. Tri-Cities still choking on smoke. Relief expected
Smoke was expected to continue choking the Tri-Cities through Monday even as isolated rain showers began moving through the state and region later in the morning.
Forecasters didn’t expect it to begin to improve until Tuesday.
The Washington Department Ecology rated air quality Monday at a “very unhealthy” Monday morning as smoke from fires in Canada and Eastern Washington pooled in the Columbia Basin.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens are advised to avoid physical activities outdoors. All people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and minimize their time outdoors.
Smoke conditions should improve somewhat on Tuesday as wind and rain move through the region.
The National Weather Service forecast office in Pendleton said there is a a 20% chance of showers in the throughout Monday, rising to 50% by Tuesday morning.
The combination of rain and some wind is expected to clear the smoke away on Tuesday, when conditions were predicted to be a near perfect sunny with a high of 79.
By Wednesday, air quality should reach “good” levels and clear conditions will continue through the rest of the week.
The high for Wednesday will be near 81. The high will be closer to 90 on Thursday and 88 on Friday.
There is a slight chance of rain on Saturday night and Sunday.
The Ecology smoke forecast shows the smoke plume emanating from Canada will retreat through the rest of the week.
To the north, I-90 near Spokane, reopened Monday afternoon after being closed closed between Tyler exit (Milepost 257) and Four Lakes (Milepost 270) because of the Gray fire, the more prominent of two fires burning near Spokane. The 13-mile stretch closed at about 8 p.m. Friday.
The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened the eastbound lanes shortly before 2 p.m. Monday, and the westbound lanes shortly afterward.
The fire that erupted Friday evening swept into Medical Lake, triggering a mandatory evacuation. The fire caused widespread damage and is associated with at least one death.
As of Monday, I 90 traffic is being detoured onto Highway 904 through Cheney.
The Gray Fire has burned more than 10,000 acres and was reported 10% contained Sunday evening. Fueled by timber, grass and brush, the fire threatened 850 homes and damaged or destroyed 185 structures.
The cause has not been determined by the state Department of Natural Resources.
Seven crews with 372 firefighters and 47 engines are fighting the fire, which is expected to be contained by Sept. 1.
Conditions and outlooks can change. Here’s how to track them
- Weather forecast: National Weather Service Pendleton forecast office
- Travel conditions: Washington Department of Transportation Travel Center Map.
- Northwest fires: NW Interagency Coordination Center
- Air quality index: AirNow.gov
- Smoke forecast: Washington Department of Ecology
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 11:17 AM.