Wolverine Fire - Smoke Summary Wednesday, August 12

Today:  Continued warming and drying, up to 97 degrees in the valleys.  Similar to the last few days, morning inversions are expected to hold smoke in the Lake Chelan valley.  Morning and afternoon instability and good mixing could allow hazy smoke to disperse toward the Methow Valley in the afternoon.  A red flag warning is in place for this afternoon due to hot, unstable conditions and possible thunderstorms.   Increased fire activity is expected with crowning and torching possible and increased smoke production likely.  Down valley northwest winds 10-15 mph in the evening could increase the chance of smoke moving into Chelan, Moses Lake, and Wenatchee overnight. Thursday:  Morning northwest winds 10-15 mph could create light smoky conditions for the Chelan and Wenatchee areas.   Thursday afternoon and night instability will increase and northwesterly winds are likely to pick up. Potential for critical fire weather including  hot, windy, dry conditions combined with strong to severe thunderstorms.  Smoke may disperse widely throughout the area.                     Friday:  Early morning much cooler and wetter, with scattered thunderstorms, showers and areas of locally heavy rain possible.
Site	August 12 Today Air Quality			August 13 Thursday Air Quality	August 14 Friday Air Quality	Comments
Chelan	USG			Moderate	Moderate	Today light smoke early am and possible smoky pm.
Manson	USG			Moderate	Moderate	Today light smoke early am and possible smoky pm.
Methow Valley	Moderate			Moderate	Good	Today, worst air quality around midday.
Wenatchee	Moderate			Moderate	Good	Today, worst air quality at night.
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly, these predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.
Index Levels of Health Concern			Actions Recommended by WA Department of Ecology to Reduce Smoke Exposure
Good			None
Moderate			People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should limit outdoor activities or do activities that take less effort, such as walking instead of running.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups			Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, infants, children, adults older than 65, pregnant women, or who have had a stroke.  These people should limit time spent outdoors.
Unhealthy			Everyone should limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors (including sports teams) and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should stay indoors. Infants, children, pregnant women and adults over age 65 should also stay indoors.
Very Unhealthy			Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask. Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.
Hazardous			Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask. Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.