LOCATION(S) IMPACTED: Middle Tanana Valley, Upper Koyukuk Valley, Yukon Flats and Uplands, Central Interior, Denali, Deltana & Tanana Flats, Southeast Brooks Range, Upper Tanana and the Fortymile Country, Eastern Alaska Range.

Air Quality in Interior Alaska continues to be affected by several fires burning across the central portion of the state. Gustier winds from the south/southwest will temporarily improve air quality in some areas on Friday, although communities near these fires will continue to experience periods of smoke and potentially poor air quality conditions throughout the weekend.

• The Wood River 1 Fire may cause periods of smoky conditions for Fairbanks.
• Smoke from the Railbelt Complex Fire is drifting into Nenana and Healy, and possibly as far north as Minto.
• Several fires south of the Tanana River will cause periods of smoke for Tanana, Lake Minchumina and Manley Hot Springs.
• The Little Black One Fire will cause periods of smoke for Chalkyitsik, Fort Yukon, and Central, and possibly as far north as Arctic Village.
• There are also fires burning in Canada near the Alcan border. Smoke from these fires may drift into communities near the border, such as Eagle and Northway.

For all of these locations, air quality will predominantly be good to moderate, with periods that are unhealthy. Air quality in communities near these fires may become hazardous at times. The forecast for the Interior is for partly cloudy skies and isolated showers on Friday, with winds generally out of the south. On Saturday, temperatures will be cooler, and while clouds will increase for most areas, only the furthest northeast portions of the Interior will have a chance for isolated showers. Sunday winds will be more light and variable, which may allow smoky conditions to become more of an issue.

Keep in mind that areas immediately downwind of any fire will experience hazardous levels of smoke. Generally, worse conditions occur overnight and during the early morning hours, as the atmosphere cools and brings smoke to the surface. During the day, surface heating will mix smoke and carry it upwards, temporarily improving air quality. Alternatively, hot, dry weather may lead to extensive fire activity, dramatically increasing smoke production, and thus causing the worst visibilities to occur in the late afternoon and early evening hours.