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Smoke Outlook for 7/22 – 7/23: Warmer temperatures return, heavy smoke in Upper Yukon zone

By Alaska Fire PIOs on July 22, 2019

A high pressure system is returning to Alaska, bringing warmer temperatures back to fire areas and an increase in fire activity. Fuels in Alaska especially dry in the Upper Yukon Valley where numerous fires are burning, with heavy smoke being produced that is affecting air quality.

Many times, communities will see clear skies in the morning, but experience levels of smoke in the afternoon once wind patterns shift only to see smoky conditions return at night. Individuals with existing health conditions should take necessary steps to avoid smoke, as directed by their physician.

North (Fairbanks and surrounding cities, Denali National Park)

Fire

Fire activity in the Upper Yukon Valley is expected to remain intense, with higher temperatures and drier conditions. Weather in East Central Zone is also warmer and drier, but fire activity has slowed there.

Smoke

The Upper Yukon Valley will experience heavy smoke from large fires in the area, at times in the very unhealthy or even hazardous category in localized areas. If you begin to notice health effects from smoke, follow the “actions to protect yourself” listed below.

Fairbanks and North Pole can expect moderate air quality, with potential for some smoke to move in overnight.

Blue Sky computer modeling indicates good to moderate air quality in Denali National Park today, with smoke moving in overnight.

Other

A list of activity for specific fires is available at: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/ then AICC Situation Report.

Air quality and smoke forecast table for Fort Yukon, Fairbanks, and North Pole. for July 22-23, 2019

South (Anchorage, Mat-Su, and the Kenai Peninsula)

Fire

The Swan Lake Fire is approximately 102,027 acres in size with 72 percent of the planned objectives accomplished. The fire saw minimal activity with the cloud cover yesterday. Clearer and warmer conditions today could bring a slight increase in fire behavior.

Smoke

May of areas that are affected by the Swan Lake fire in Sterling. Affected areas include the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Palmer, and Butte. July 22, 2019 — May of areas affected by the Swan Lake fire in Sterling. Affected areas include the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Palmer, and Butte. July 22, 2019

Cooper Landing saw clear skies yesterday morning, then smoke in the afternoon. Smoke is expected today. Anchorage experienced moderate air quality all day yesterday. This is expected to be the case once again today with possibility of smoke coming in from adjacent fires.

Copper River and Juneau

Low clouds and smoke could inhibit visibility this morning, expected to lift out by mid-day. Moderate smoke impact is expected in the Copper River Area. Juneau should not be impacted by smoke.

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