Here we are, right in the middle of summer. Think sunshine! Think fresh home-grown produce! Think pleasant trips here and there! Think smoke.
I’m tired of thinking of smoke. It seems like it’s been here forever.
Off and on for a few weeks at least, 9. We had that very pleasant break on the west side of the state in late July, and a really lovely break sometime last week when I decided to put all my other work aside and spend a day catching up with things in the garden. But this week- -not so much.
Smoke: It makes the rising sun look red. . .
We seem to be surrounded by wildfires.
It’s true, Lily, and in so many ways we’re lucky we’re only having to deal with smoke. Close to home there was a quickly contained fire in the foothills of the Blue Mountains this week. The poor folks up in Spokane weren’t nearly as lucky. A confessed arsonist is responsible for the loss of over 800 structures and the evacuation of 60,000 people.
That’s like two entire Walla Wallas!
Wildfires are worse, but the smoke that comes with them is nothing to sneeze at. More like something to hack over, or hide from indoors, or deploy a squadron of air cleaners against. The outdoor public pools are closed down. The YMCA indoor pool was closed until noon on Wednesday because the INDOOR air quality was so bad. Smoke is very tricky that way. They now have several large fans running to cure the issue.
Smoke: The reason for this colorful AQI map. . .
In the (I hope) short term many of summer’s joys are not available. Like sleeping with the windows open, or stargazing at a clear night sky on a warm evening. Want to take a walk after dinner? At your own risk. As I write this on Thursday afternoon the outdoor temperature is 95 F. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is 194, near the top of the Unhealthy range. If it tips over 200 we’ll be in Very Unhealthy territory.
But we have to go outside sometimes.
Today you’ve been to the YMCA and Safeway.
With an N-95 mask over my smoke-sensitive snoot while in transit. That pack of 50 disposable masks I ordered near the end of COVID restrictions is proving handy.
How much longer will we have smoke?
Looking at the forecast below, it looks like Walla Walla AQI will improve to the 100-150 “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” range this weekend and early next week:
https://www.iqair.com/air-quality/usa/washington/walla-walla
That’s an improvement. You should be able to take walks if you mask.
And work in the yard. Right now, even with a mask it’s an ordeal just to keep the incoming produce watered.
So we’re in the “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” group?
Bingo, 9. At least the book signing on Saturday is indoors, and my Living History presentation on Sunday can be, too. I’m very concerned for the groups in town that are performing outdoors right now. It’s complicated enough to sing, dance, act and play an instrument when you can draw a normal breath. And when you can’t. . .
So we wait for things to improve. And wait. And wait.
