11
Portland Chokes on Wildfire Smoke & Scorching Heat — Relief by Friday
Wildfire Smoke and Heat Wave Hit Portland: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
Portland and the Willamette Valley are dealing with a double whammy right now: thick wildfire smoke and hot temperatures. KATU’s Storm Tracker 2 team has issued a Weather Alert because the air quality has dropped fast since Tuesday, and it’s going to stay warm for a few more days.
Important Alert: Air quality ranges from Moderate to Unhealthy across the region. The worst conditions are near Mount Hood where the Grasshopper Fire is burning.
Where Is the Smoke Coming From?
The smoke is drifting west from the Grasshopper Fire burning near Mount Hood. This fire has prompted different evacuation levels for nearby areas:
Current Evacuation Orders
| Location | Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Hood Meadows | Level 3 – "Go Now" | Leave immediately. Danger is imminent. |
| Timberline Lodge & Government Camp | Level 1 – "Get Ready" | Pack bags, stay alert, be ready to leave if things get worse. |
ELI5 Explanation: Think of evacuation levels like a traffic light. Level 1 (Green) = Get ready. Level 2 (Yellow) = Be set to go. Level 3 (Red) = Go right now!
What’s Happening with the Air Quality?
- Right now: Air Quality Index (AQI) is between Moderate and Unhealthy
- Worst spot: Near Mount Hood (closest to the fire)
- Portland area: You can smell the smoke when you walk outside
- Meteorologist Matt Gontarek says: "This is the worst we’ve had all summer and all season so far."
How the Smoke Will Move
- Today: Smoke continues moving westward toward Portland
- Later today: Smoke shifts south after reaching Portland
- This evening: Winds start pushing smoke back east
- Tomorrow: Big improvement expected as westerly winds kick in
- Friday: Onshore flow (wind from the ocean) becomes dominant → smoke clears out
The Heat Situation
Current Heat Advisory
- In effect: Now through Thursday night
- Temperatures: Mid- to upper-90s (°F)
- Twist: The smoke might actually block some sun and keep temps slightly lower
- Example: Tuesday was forecast for 95°F but only hit 90°F at PDX airport
What Could Happen Thursday
- If smoke clears early: Temps could shoot back up to upper 90s
- If smoke stays: Temps stay in the low-to-mid 90s
Day-by-Day Forecast
| Day | High Temp | Air Quality | Wind Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Mid-upper 90s | Moderate → Unhealthy | Offshore flow easing |
| Thursday | Low-mid 90s (or upper 90s if smoke clears) | Improving | Westerly winds pushing smoke east |
| Friday | Upper 80s | Much better | Northerly winds bring cool, clean air |
| Weekend | Back to 90s | Good | Warm but clearer |
Good News Friday: Northerly winds will bring cooler air (upper 80s) and clear out remaining smoke. Enjoy the break!
What Should You Do Right Now?
If You’re in an Evacuation Zone
- Level 3 (Mt. Hood Meadows): Leave immediately – don’t wait
- Level 1 (Timberline/Government Camp): Pack essentials, monitor updates, have your car ready
For Everyone Else in Portland Metro
- Check air quality before going outside: AirNow.gov
- Limit outdoor activity – especially exercise – while air is Unhealthy
- Keep windows/doors closed – run AC or fans with filters if you have them
- Stay hydrated – heat + smoke = extra stress on your body
- Check on neighbors – especially elderly, kids, and anyone with asthma/heart issues
- Download the Storm Tracker 2 Weather App for real-time alerts
Summary
- Smoke from the Grasshopper Fire has pushed air quality to Unhealthy levels in Portland
- Evacuations are active near Mount Hood (Level 3 at Mt. Hood Meadows, Level 1 at Timberline/Government Camp)
- Heat Advisory runs through Thursday night – highs in the 90s
- Smoke may actually help keep temps a few degrees lower Wednesday
- Big relief comes Friday – cooler 80s, clean air, northerly winds
- Weekend warms back up to the 90s but with much better air quality
FAQ
What does "Air Quality Index: Unhealthy" mean for me?
A: It means everyone may start to feel health effects (coughing, irritated eyes, trouble breathing). Sensitive groups (kids, elderly, asthma/heart conditions) should avoid all outdoor exertion. Everyone else should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Why might the smoke make it cooler?
A: Thick smoke acts like a sunshade – it blocks some sunlight from reaching the ground. Less sun = slightly lower temperatures. But don’t count on it!
What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 3 evacuation?
A:
- Level 1 (Get Ready): Danger might come your way. Pack go-bags, move livestock/pets, stay informed.
- Level 3 (Go Now): Danger is here or coming fast. Leave immediately. Don’t wait to gather things.
When will the air quality get better?
A: Tomorrow (Thursday) should see significant improvement as westerly winds push smoke east. Friday brings the best air with onshore flow from the ocean.
Should I wear a mask outside?
A: Yes – if you must be outside. A N95 or KN95 mask filters out fine smoke particles. Cloth/surgical masks don’t work well for wildfire smoke.
Stay Updated: Download the Storm Tracker 2 Weather App for real-time alerts, evacuation updates, and hour-by-hour air quality forecasts.
