Pretty awful fire weather. Hot and dry for 5 days and then a cool down with wind and dry lightning likely. At least for B.C.

I know some previous years were pretty bad, 2017 might be one of those because I remembered some of the forecast highs were supposed to be mid-upper 90s, but the heavy smoke knocked the temps down. Anyone remember what year it was that was pretty terrible in Whatcom because of the BC fires? And also had forgotten how long the smoke season was for 2022. The first fires started in mid-July and we were still dealing with the smoke by mid-October and into November for some areas. I'm really hoping we don't get to these levels this year. But seems like we're just starting and still got long ways to go.

Definitely mixing into the lower levels quite a bit more today too. Visibility is down to 5 miles at PDX.

Sure, I guess if you want to call a couple of 80ish days here a "nice cool down". After which we immediately rebound back into the 90s for multiple days and then stay in the 80+ range for another week thereafter. It's a very persistently warm upcoming pattern for the whole PNW. Payback for the average July.

Looking at the satellite hot spots, it appears it has jumped the highway. If so, that's not good.