SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane's air quality has returned to the "unhealthy" range on Wednesday morning, according to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.
At 5:30 a.m., the air quality index was sitting near 160. The unhealthy range begins when the AQI reaches 150.
On Tuesday, the the AQI returned to "unhealthy for some groups," bumping Spokane out of the top five areas with the worst air quality.
Be on the lookout for City of Spokane aquatic center closures, as they close when the AQI reaches 150.
In Coeur d'Alene, the air quality is unhealthy on Tuesday morning, according to EPA website AirNow.
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We can forecast jumps and drops in air quality, but beyond just few days is difficult to predict.
Forecasting 24 to 48 hours ahead is generally the most accurate. We have a better idea of wind speed and direction and the size of wildfires.
Beyond that period of time, things can change quickly. New fires can spark or winds can change direction, all can contribute to a flawed forecast.
For the remainder of the week, strong winds are expected to continue to push smoke away from the northwest. A cold front is also expected to move in this weekend that could bring showers, which could help clear the air.