Air Quality Snapshot and Updated Forecast

The boat ramp at Lost Creek Lake in Jackson County. Photo from Marty at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

We're seeing lots of red dots on the Oregon map this morning, meaning lots of unhealthy air quality is persisting. Air quality in much of the Willamette and Rogue Valley remains in the unhealthy range, while a cluster of orange dots hovers around Portland, meaning air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Smoky conditions in the Willamette Valley should start to clear this afternoon or evening, a bit later than forecasters had predicted earlier. That smoke will blow eastward though, meaning that areas of Eastern Oregon that are now seeing moderate air quality (yellow on the map) may start to see air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke from the Milli Fire is expected to continue to affect Sisters, Bend and perhaps Prineville.

The Rogue Valley may see some relief tomorrow, but it will likely be short-lived considering the hot temperatures in the forecast and the number of fires sending smoke into the Rogue.

Remember, air quality conditions change rapidly and forecasts can too depending on wildfire growth or changing weather. Before you head out, check air quality conditions on this blog and forecasts for specific wildfires near your area.