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As smoke moves out, other weather changes move in

Local fires, such as this Aug. 2 brushfire near Rochester, added to the smoke in the air.
Local fires, such as this Aug. 2 brushfire near Rochester, added to the smoke in the air. sbloom@theolympian.com

Most of Western Washington is breathing easier Saturday after overnight winds dispersed smoke that had been hanging over the area for more than a week, according to the National Weather Service.

Data from the state’s Department of Ecology shows good air quality up and down Western Washington. Central and eastern parts of the state are still experiencing air that is unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups.

KING-5 reports a weather pattern over the Pacific Northwest in one form or another for the past two months gave us sunny, warm weather but also winds that brought in smoke from fires burning in British Columbia.

Temperatures are also changing. After seeing highs in the 80s and 90s — and one record-breaking high — Olympia’s temperatures will peak in the 70s for the next week. The weather service forecasts a cloudy Saturday with rain likely after 11 p.m.

Abby Spegman: 360-704-6869, @AbbySpegman

This story was originally published August 12, 2017 at 9:36 AM with the headline "As smoke moves out, other weather changes move in."

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