Light at the End of the Smoke Tunnel
It’s another smoky day in Oregon; close to 10 days of smoke so far in my neck of the woods. But according to the weather forecast there are two reasons to believe the worst of the smoke is behind us. First there will be a low pressure system moving in from offshore tonight, which will bring light winds from the west, blowing the wildfire smoke inland to our neighbors in eastern OR/WA and ID. (Sorry, Intermountain NWers.) Second there is a high chance of rain, which removes some degree of smoke from the atmosphere when droplets form around smoke/ash particles and then fall to the ground.
Now, in a typical year I wouldn’t be happy for a rain event to be forecast in mid-September; it usually (but not always) signals the end of summer and the beginning of rainjacket season where I live. But, needless to say, this year has been different. I can’t wait for rainjacket season to start, even if it means muddy hikes/rides, wet feet, and frequent glasses cleanings. I’m holding onto hope that fall will be better than summer was. Even though we’ll still have COVID to deal with, the fires won’t be nearly as scary or smoky. Fingers crossed.
Bike Newbie 