Change in wind direction prompts air quality alert

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Benton Clean Air Agency has issued an air quality alert as changing wind direction brings smoke from Oregon fires into the Mid-Columbia Basin. 

As of Friday morning, air quality had already reached unhealthy levels, and could reach hazardous levels before the smoke dissipates.

The alert will last until noon on Monday, September 14th, as winds expected reverse from offshore easterly flow to a westerly flow. While the shift in the wind's direction will negatively impact air quality in the Tri-Cities, it can actually help firefighters working to extinguish wildfires.

"We are looking at maybe a little bit of a pattern change early next week," sad meteorologist Joe Solomon with the National Weather Service out of Pendleton. "But there's some model uncertainty in exactly how that's going to play out. I would say for sure that we're looking at smoke concerns here through the weekend and maybe into next week before we start to see some improvement."

The Air Quality Alert will be reevaluated on Monday.

Solomon said there's a slight chance for some rain showers next week, but it's too soon to tell whether they'll roll through the Tri-Cities, or how much rain they might bring.

Meanwhile, anyone with health issues should avoid spending time outside to prevent the aggravation of heart and lung diseases, asthmas, bronchitis, emphysema, and other heart and respiratory conditions.. Even those without health issues can experience burning eyes, runny nose, and breathing difficulty. You're also encouraged to keep children indoors and keep window closed during smoky conditions.

·     If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like the mall – during this pandemic please check to make sure these places are open and what their health requirements may be.

·     N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution.  Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you.

Air quality can change quickly; current air quality information can be viewed at the Benton Clean Air Authority website  www.bentoncleanair.org on the home page.