The computer systems responsible for reporting air quality monitoring station measurements have been overwhelmed as visible smoke returns to the Puget Sound area.
According to reports that are available, conditions are far worse in the southern Puget Sound areas including reports of ash fall along with the smoke.
Northwest Clean Air Agency is reporting GOOD air quality as of a 9am report from the Custer/Loomis Trail air monitoring station. The Bellingham station is reporting UNHEALTHLY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality (Many more people than average may have breathing problems or have worsened symptoms of existing lung or heart disease).
Neighbors in the Ferndale area are reporting itching and/or burning eyes and those with asthma or lung disease have noticed a change in air quality.
The smoky haze may provide some relief from the unseasonably warm temperatures forecast for the area today.
The smoke is reportedly coming from wildfires east of Puget Sound, notably Jolly Mountain Fire near Cle Elum and the Norse Peak fire near Chinook Pass and from the south in Oregon.