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Finally: Fresh air returns Puget Sound

Save for pockets of Snohomish County, the air quality in most of the Puget Sound region and east to the Cascade foothills has improved to "good."

The onshore winds did the trick. Much of the wildfire smoke still lingering around Puget Sound has blown out.

King, Kitsap, and Pierce counties now have "good" air quality, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Some smoke remains in Snohomish County, but even that should clear out by Thursday evening.

Darrington still has pollution levels that are unhealthy for everyone. That will take more time to clear.

Additionally, the Stage 1 burn ban for King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties will be lifted at 1 p.m. Thursday, according to the Clean Air Agency.

RELATED: How to get air quality alerts and real-time info on smoke

An Air Quality Alert expired for the South Sound at noon. However, it was extended for Clallam, Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties until 7 p.m. Thursday.

Winds overnight pushed cleaner air into the Puget Sound region, which started a gradual clearing of the smoky haze. It may still appear hazy in some areas because those same winds brought in low marine clouds and light rain.

Related | Smoky skies can cause headaches, coughing and worse

Satellite images show the smoke moving east.

An Air Quality Alert issued by the National Weather Service is set to expire noon Thursday.

Here's a breakdown for the next several days:

  • Thursday morning: Poor air quality remains, but improving
  • Thursday evening: Good air quality finally arrives
  • Friday: Good air quality
  • Weekend: Good air quality, with scattered rain showers possible

Check your region's air quality here

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