Air quality crisis eases in Wenatchee, Chelan area

Smoky air that has plagued the cities of Wenatchee, Chelan and Leavenworth since early September has finally cleared, the National Weather Service said this morning. Photographs from each city shows that the air is once again clear enough to see mountains in the background. Winds from an approaching low pressure area allowed the smoke to dissipate overnight. Until now, the area was suffering through air pollution readings in the very unhealthy level. In Spokane, air quality remained in the moderate range from the apparent smoky haze from the region’s wildfires. The air quality index reading was 71 this morning. An air quality alert remains in effect for all of Eastern Washington, and bans on outdoor burning and use of non-certified stoves and fireplaces continues. In Coeur d’Alene, the index reading was 60 this morning, also in the moderate range. Outdoor burning is prohibited. Hazy skies and a high in the upper 70s is expected today in Spokane. Sunny skies will continue through the week with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the middle 40s.