WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Smoke from ongoing wildfires is causing a deterioration in air quality.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Whatcom and Skagit counties now through Wednesday morning.
Air quality levels are forecast to become unhealthy for sensitive groups during that time.
Smoke is still traveling south from the Brunswick Complex fires in BC, which has now burned over 50,000 acres on both sides of the Trans-Canadian Highway.
Additional wildfires burning east of the Cascades are sending smoke in our direction as well.
Those include the Ptarmigan Fire, which has burned about 40 acres in the North Cascades near the Canadian border.
People sensitive to worsening air quality are advised to stay inside with an air purifier until conditions improve.
Heat advisory issued for Whatcom County
Meanwhile, things are going to heat up in the Pacific Northwest.
The National Weather Service said that a heat advisory will take effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Whatcom County.
That advisory is expected to remain in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-80s in Bellingham, with even warmer temperatures anticipated in areas north like Lynden and Sumas.
Residents are advised to stay in the shade, hydrate and never leave pets or children in a hot car.
