EVERETT — Expect heat and smoke this weekend.
In the far reaches of the county, Darrington and Sultan were forecast to hit highs in the low 90s while areas closer to the water may be in the low 80s, National Weather Service meteorologist Kirby Cook said.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put a weekend heat advisory in place for much of western Washington. A full list of cooling centers can be found on the county website.
The air quality across the county will also be “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” Cook said.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant people and young children.
The Air Quality Index in Everett was predicted to be 115 on Saturday and 105 on Sunday, around eight times the concentration of particulate matter recommended by the World Health Organization.
The smoke is coming from the Sourdough Fire along Skagit River, as well as the Dome Peak, Airplane Lake and Huckleberry Flats fires, Cook said.
Last week, fires near Darrington pushed the Air Quality Index over 200.
A storm was expected to move in late Sunday, with a chance of rain early Monday morning. Winds from the west will push smoky air east of the Cascades, said Cook.
On Monday, there’s a chance of lightning and thunder, the meteorologist said.
Tuesday and Wednesday were forecast to be rainy, with highs in the mid-60s before rising again next weekend.
There are multiple outdoor events this weekend, including the Evergreen State Fair and Snohomish Block Party. The county recommends hydrating frequently, avoiding strenuous activity and limiting sun exposure during hot weather.
Surya Hendry: 425-339-3104; surya.hendry@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @suryahendryy.
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