Winds, humidity make it smokier

MOSES LAKE — The old saying about an ill wind is really true - slightly more humid weather and lighter winds are helping firefighters on fires to the north of Grant County. But the humidity and northerly winds are keeping smoke closer to the surface all over the region. Currently fires are burning near Entiat, along the Methow River near Winthrop and near Kettle Falls. There are also wildfires burning across British Columbia. The combination of winds and humidity is making it smoky all over Washington. That has pushed the air quality index into the “unhealthy” range in Grant County and throughout the region. The Washington Department of Health recommends staying indoors, curtailing any strenuous physical activity outdoors and closing windows and doors. Air conditioners should be set to recirculate air. The National Weather Service has posted a red flag warning for Sunday night and Monday morning. North winds will increase, “the strongest push of northerly winds experienced so far this summer,” according to a press release from the NWS office in Spokane. The wind will be accompanied by low humidity, which will increase fire danger.

— Staff report