rrfs_id_84hr_vismoke.mp4
Summary: A 42-second forecast showing vertically integrated smoke concentrations across the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West from August 11-15, 2026, with widespread moderate to high smoke initially, shifting and clearing over time.
This video presents the RRFS (Rapid Refresh Forecast System) forecast for vertically integrated smoke concentrations across a broad region encompassing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, northern Utah, northern Nevada, and northern California. The forecast spans from August 11, 2026, 7:00 PM MDT, to August 15, 2026, 5:00 AM MDT, showing smoke density in milligrams per square meter (mg/M2). Initially, significant moderate to high smoke levels are observed across northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and parts of Oregon. Over the forecast period, smoke plumes are depicted intensifying in areas like the Puget Sound region and central Oregon, reaching very high to extreme concentrations. The smoke gradually shifts eastward and southward, with some areas experiencing temporary clearing while others remain under moderate to high smoke influence. By the end of the forecast, smoke concentrations appear to decrease across the eastern parts of the region but persist along the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon, and parts of central Idaho.
Playback guide
1. timestamp: 0:00 label: Initial forecast (2026-08-11 07:00 PM MDT) showing moderate to high smoke in northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and central Oregon. 2. timestamp: 0:05 label: Smoke intensifies and spreads, with very high concentrations appearing over parts of Washington and northern Idaho (2026-08-12 03:00 AM MDT). 3. timestamp: 0:10 label: Extensive moderate to high smoke covers much of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, with extreme levels in the Puget Sound area (2026-08-12 03:00 PM MDT). 4. timestamp: 0:15 label: Smoke remains widespread across the region, particularly dense along the Washington and Oregon coasts, and in central Idaho (2026-08-13 01:00 AM MDT). 5. timestamp: 0:20 label: Shift in plumes, with high to very high smoke concentrating in coastal Oregon/Washington and parts of southern Oregon/northern California (2026-08-13 11:00 AM MDT). 6. timestamp: 0:25 label: Smoke continues to affect wide areas, with some reduction in eastern Idaho but persistent moderate levels in central Washington and Oregon (2026-08-13 09:00 PM MDT). 7. timestamp: 0:30 label: General decrease in smoke intensity across the Intermountain West, but moderate levels still present in central Washington and Oregon (2026-08-14 07:00 AM MDT). 8. timestamp: 0:35 label: Smoke largely clears from eastern areas, but remains noticeable along the Pacific coast and in central Oregon (2026-08-14 05:00 PM MDT). 9. timestamp: 0:41 label: Final forecast frame (2026-08-15 05:00 AM MDT) showing significantly reduced smoke overall, with lingering low to moderate concentrations in coastal Washington and central Oregon.