Wildfire smoke moved into the Spokane region overnight, pushing air quality into the unhealthy range and triggering alerts from local monitors. Forecasters also warned of hot, windy weather and thunderstorms that could worsen fire danger.

Forecasters say Eastern Washington is likely headed for an unusually active wildfire season after low snowpack and early drying of vegetation created conditions that favor fire spread. Officials are urging residents to prepare homes, evacuation plans, and smoke precautions now.

Smoke from Central Washington wildfires pushed into Spokane on Thursday, raising air quality to unhealthy for sensitive groups and likely lingering into Friday. Forecasters cited the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf fires and gusty winds as primary drivers, with conditions expected to ease slightly Friday.

A wildfire near Lake Spokane in southern Stevens County grew to over 2,000 acres by Sunday, prompting evacuations as thick smoke blanketed the region.

British Columbia set a new national September heat record with 40.8 C in Cache Creek, as wildfire smoke triggers widespread air-quality alerts. Multiple heat warnings remain in effect across the province.