UPDATE: Air high quality alert issued for Japanese Washington Tuesday

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On Monday at 3:24 p.m. the NWS Pendleton OR reported an updated air quality alert in effect until Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The alert is for Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties.

“The Washington State Department of Ecology and the Benton Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert until 9 a.m. Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition,” according to the NWS.

Air quality alert: Your safety checklist from the NWS

• Stay inside if possible, particularly if you have respiratory concerns or other health problems, or are a senior or child.
• If you must go out, try to limit the amount of time you are out to strictly essential activities.
• Minimize your use of items that increase pollution, such as cars, gas-powered lawnmowers, and other vehicles.
• Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
• Stay Informed – Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite weather news station.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Washington

This story was initially printed July 20, 2026 at 1:47 PM.