Fishermen’s Terminal, Seine Fishing Fleet Back from AK, WA Ship Canal, PNW Smoke Air Quality Alert, Wildfires So Dense Its Changing NW Weather, Photography By: Salty Dog Boating News PNW

Thick smoke blankets the Pacific Northwest, greater Seattle region; up and down the west coast.  The million dollar question, “When will the smoke be gone in western Washington?” We had some showers a few nights thus far, but it wasn’t enough rain and no wind to carry this awful thick smoke away. The mid September PNW air quality is still considered very unhealthy across the region.

Western Towboat, Tug Wasp, Tossed lines at Fishermen’s Terminal, Smoke Air Quality Alert in the Pacific Northwest, Photography By: Salty Dog Boating News PNW

The smoke in place with clouds extends about 6,000 ft into the air. The PNW has had an inversion, which is warmer, lighter air at the higher elevations trapping the cold, dense, heavy air and clouds that have mixed with the smoke closer to the surface. This explains the NW humid heavy smoke veil.

Lake Union Boat Repair Team Cranes off the top deck crane for repairs, LUBR, Some still have work to get done in the thick PNW Smokey Air, Photography By: Salty Dog Boating News PNW

Boaters and yachts still seem to be out and about coming and going from desired locations. 2020 just can’t give us a break, we are currently living in the Covid-19, Worldwide Pandemic – now the west coast is fighting massive fires and the air quality is currently ranked at ‘Hazardous.’ How much worse can it get?  We have a lot of lessons to learn this year and a lot to be grateful for. The blanket of socked in smoke in the Pacific Northwest, advises people to stay indoors, many beaches, parks, boat ramps, business’s and restaurants have had to close due to terrible air quality. Many restaurants that do have Covid-19 outdoor seating have had to close their doors until the smoke clears and air quality returns to safe levels.

Coastal Transportation, Connecting Western AK to the World, Lower Queen Anne can hardly seen due to heavy blanket of wild fire smoke in Seattle and PNW, Photography By: Salty Dog Boating News PNW

No matter where you go in the PNW either by boat or car the visibility is terrible. Until wildfires are out across California and Oregon, the air quality may be a concern. If the wildfires keep growing – and there isn’t much rain in the forecast for them next week – we could be talking about poor air quality longer than this; extending to fall and late September. The first day of the fall season is – September 22. We need consistent winds from the north and northwest, plus a lot of rain to really clear the sky across western Washington. Be safe everyone, if your able to stay indoors, its best for your health.

Seattle Superyacht IceBear getting a Ballard Bridge lift after just getting a lift at the Ballard Locks now eastbound to Lake Union into more thick Smokey air. The PNW has a full blanket of smoke, air quaintly is considered hazardous. Not everyone can stay indoors! Photography By: Salty Dog Boating News PNW

Practice Safe Boating!