September 19, 2020

Forecast: September 19th, 2020

By Calen Randall

Hey Huskies!

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, chances are, green is currently your favorite colour. Green surrounds us, from our lush coniferous forests, to our cool green-tinted rivers. Many cheer on green-clad sports teams, like the Seattle Sounders and the Seattle Storm. However, our love for the colour green today is not due to our vibrant green wildlife scenes or sports teams. The green that has everyone celebrating is the “Good Air Quality” green that covers the west coast!

After last night’s system of cool wet weather, rain is probably your favorite weather, too. Thunderstorms and downpours made appearances around the Puget Sound, and most regions received some rain. Even if rain did not pass over your house, the cool marine air system did. Thanks to the oceanic air, much of the smoke has been forced out of the region. We can now enjoy dog walks, outdoor exercise, and opening our windows for some fresh air!

Those east of the Cascades have cause for celebration as well, with air quality returning to “Good” in Tri City and Moses Lake, and levels “Moderate” in Yakima, Spokane, and Wenatchee. After a long two week period of fire and smoke, I am sure millions of west coast residents will view clear skies and clean air differently moving forward.

Our currently cool temperatures will warm to the upper 60s and low 70s in most areas today. Similar highs are expected through the weekend, with lows spread in the low-to-mid 50s. After the atmosphere’s chaotic detour through “Summer Heat” and “Smoky Skies”, we are finally approaching “Fall Weather”. It will not take long for rain to go from hero to heel. Showers are possible through the weekend and a classic soaking front is forecast for Tuesday.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the clean air outdoors!

Reach forecaster Calen Randall at theuwdawgcast@uw.edu. Twitter: @Wx19Calen.

TODAY’S FORECAST	TODAY’S AIR QUALITY