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Air quality in the Puget Sound clearing up Monday and Tuesday; Heat Advisory expires

Air quality dipped into the unhealthy range for some areas amid a heat advisory this weekend.
Credit: AP
FILE - The sun sets over the University District in Seattle, May 13, 2023, seen from 520 Bridge View Park in Medina, Wash.

SEATTLE — Cleaner air coming into the Puget Sound area should tip air quality into the moderate to good range on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

A Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service expired at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Heat Advisory was in effect from noon Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday for areas as far north as the Canadian border, south to Lewis County, along the Cascade foothills, as well as Kitsap County and the South Sound.

The National Weather Service warned that hot temperatures could have increased the risk of heat-related illnesses for those sensitive to the heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.

Compounding the issue, the air quality for much of western Washington was in the "moderate" to "unhealthy" category over the weekend. According to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, most of Seattle reached the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" level by 10 a.m. Saturday.

During periods of hot weather and reduced air quality, the National Weather Service advises it may not be safe to stay inside with doors and windows closed without air conditioning. When heat and poor air quality occur at the same time, cooling should be prioritized, according to the Weather Service.

By Monday, high pressure is expected to shift east, allowing the offshore low to move closer to the coast for a gradually increasing chance of showers through Tuesday. By Wednesday the low will move inland across western Washington for a brief decrease in the chance of showers. On Thursday another low will brush by renewing the chance of showers once again.

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