WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Yesterday, Sunday, August 2, 2026, forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) Seattle office issued a statement warning of the potential for wildfire smoke to make its way into western Washington, including Whatcom County, early this week.
Wildfire smoke is expected to return this week. Smoke likely will be aloft into Monday with hazy skies. Smoke may then reach the ground later Monday-Tuesday.
National Weather Service (August 2, 2026)
NWS forecasters said this morning that a high-pressure system building off the coast will be moving over western Washington through mid-week. This will bring hot weather across the region, and create northeasterly winds — pulling wildfire smoke from eastern Washington wildfires into western Washington through at least Wednesday night.
The video below shows the surface smoke forecast as of today, Monday, August 3, 2026, through Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued the following graphic detailing their 5-day smoke forecast for the region. The forecast map is broken into zones based on Ecology’s network of air quality monitors and some local Clean Air Agency management regions.
AirNow smoke current conditions for Monday August 3, 2026. 
AirNow smoke forecast conditions for Tuesday August 4, 2026, as of August 3, 2026. 
AirNow smoke forecast conditions for Wednesday August 5, 2026, as of August 3, 2026. 
AirNow smoke forecast conditions for Thursday August 6, 2026, as of August 3, 2026. 
AirNow smoke forecast conditions for Friday August 7, 2026, as of August 3, 2026.
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