Western Washington is set to experience relief from wildfire smoke as onshore winds make their way in on Monday.

The approach of a low pressure system accompanied by cold air from the northwest is set to bring these favorable onshore winds to Washington. This coincides with the remnants of Hurricane Hilary affecting Eastern Oregon and portions of southeastern Washington.

Although the process may take some time, noticeable improvements in the clarity of the skies over Western Washington are expected by Monday evening. The situation is anticipated to further improve by Tuesday morning, driven by a more robust onshore breeze.

Monday's high temperatures will maintain warmth, ranging in the upper 70s to low 80s. Subsequently, Tuesday and Wednesday are projected to bring cooler temperatures.

The sole opportunity for rain within the upcoming 7-day forecast is slated for Tuesday around sunset. This weather system will usher in scattered showers across the area through Wednesday morning. While a substantial downpour is still needed to assist with firefighting efforts, it appears patience will be required for such conditions to materialize.

Following the morning showers and cloud cover on Wednesday, Western Washington will revert back to abundant sunshine and higher temperatures. Expect temperatures in the 80s throughout the upcoming weekend.

“People will notice an irritation - burning, itching, and yes, that is a problem. But there are actually more serious impacts in terms of asthma-triggering asthma attacks. There are also risks for heart and lungs for breathing and there’s also a developmental risk potentially for a fetus and developing kids,” said Phil Swartzendrber, air quality specialist with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

To avoid negative health effects from inhaling wildfire smoke, the Center for Disease Control suggests that you follow these steps:

• Pay attention to local air quality reports and the US Air Quality Index. When a wildfire occurs in your area, watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Pay attention to public health messages and take extra safety measures such as avoiding spending time outdoors.

• Pay attention to visibility guides if they are available. Although not every community measures the amount of particles in the air, some communities in the western United States have guidelines to help people estimate air quality based on how far they can see.

• If you are told to stay indoors, stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.

• Use an air filter. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal to help protect people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions and the elderly and children from the effects of wildfire smoke. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement and where to place the device.

• Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles and fireplaces. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke tobacco or other products, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

• Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95″ mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. If you decide to keep a mask on hand, see the Respirator Fact Sheet provided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

• Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation. Wildfires and prescribed burns—fires that are set on purpose to manage land—can create smoky conditions. Before you travel to a park or forest, check to see if any wildfires are happening or if any prescribed burns are planned.