  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - Aug. 21, 2003
03-169
OLYMPIA - Due to an unusual weather pattern, smoke from wildfires in Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia is currently descending on Washington, blanketing the entire eastern side of the state.
"We have low pressure to the north and south, and high pressure from the east and west, resulting in stagnant conditions. What that means is that wildfire smoke from three sides is heading straight into eastern Washington," said Richard Stender, a meteorologist from the state Department of Ecology. "And, with so little wind right now, it just has nowhere to go."
Although the smoke may lift a bit today as the air warms up, cooler conditions tonight are likely to trap it once again. "We don't think this will clear out completely until Friday afternoon, when the weather is expected to shift," Stender said.
Smoke and air pollution can aggravate asthma and other medical conditions. During this time, Ecology recommends that young children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments consider limiting their outdoor activities until the air clears.
Ecology also recommends people combine errands and reduce vehicle trips, or use public transportation. More information is online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/airhome.html.
###
Contact: Leslie Thorpe, public information manager, 360-407-6848
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
