Pendleton, Ore. – Residents across eastern Oregon are waking up to another day of thick wildfire smoke, with some of the region’s poorest air quality centered on the John Day Valley, Ochoco area and nearby highlands. Dense smoke has reduced visibility in several communities, while air quality monitors continue to report unhealthy to very unhealthy conditions in parts of Grant County.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a shift in regional wind patterns carried smoke from wildfires burning west of the Cascades into eastern Oregon overnight. As temperatures cooled, the smoke settled into valleys and basins, becoming trapped near the surface and creating widespread haze by daybreak.
Communities throughout the Columbia Basin also experienced heavy smoke early in the morning, although conditions have improved slightly compared to the previous night. Forecasters say smoke remains firmly entrenched in several valleys, especially around John Day, where little improvement is expected through the day.
Limited visibility continues to affect the John Day Airport, creating challenges for aviation operations. Air quality sensors across the region continue to show elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter, with some locations reaching the Very Unhealthy category.
Health officials recommend limiting time outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed, and using air filtration if available. Those with asthma, heart disease, older adults and young children should avoid prolonged outdoor activity until smoke concentrations improve.
Additional smoke advisories remain possible as wildfire activity and regional wind patterns continue to influence air quality across eastern Oregon. Residents can monitor the latest conditions through the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website.
