Active Weather
A generally quiet pattern across the Pacific Northwest today. No active watches, warnings, or advisories from the National Weather Service for Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. Expect typical late-May conditions — partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-60s to low 70s in western Washington and Oregon, warmer in the mid-70s in the inland valleys of Idaho.
Alaska is quiet as well, with no active weather advisories. A 2.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded north of Anchorage on May 24 — too small to be felt by most residents and no cause for concern.
Infrastructure
The NIFC Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) reports 4 active incidents across approximately 4,400 acres, including the Zen fire near Clarno, Oregon — a grass and brush fire on Bureau of Land Management land about 5 miles south of Clarno. Fire behavior on this incident is minimal.
The NIFC Operations Southern California Coordination Center (OSCC) also reports 7 incidents across approximately 28,000 acres in its jurisdiction, some of which overlap the Northwest's fire management area. Overall, fire activity in the Northwest is light for this time of year but building.
No active disaster declarations, power outages, or transportation disruptions in the Northwest.
Public Health
No active public health advisories for the Northwest. Air quality is within normal ranges across all four states.
At the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has two active Health Advisory notices. The first, issued May 19, concerns an Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The risk of spread to U.S. households is considered low. The second, updated May 18, monitors an Andes virus (hantavirus) cluster linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic. No confirmed U.S. cases have been reported, and the domestic risk remains extremely low. Neither advisory requires household action beyond general awareness.
Watch Item
The NIFC seasonal outlook notes that fire risk across the Northwest is expected to increase through the summer months as temperatures rise and fuels dry out. The region historically sees its peak wildfire activity in July through September. Early-season fires like the Zen fire in Oregon are a normal part of the seasonal build-up.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone and other seismic faults make the Northwest one of the most earthquake- and tsunami-exposed regions in the country. The Alaska subduction zone adds additional exposure for coastal communities. Earthquake preparedness is a year-round consideration: secure heavy furniture to walls, know how to drop-cover-hold on, and keep emergency supplies in an accessible location.
This is a good week to test your weather radio and make sure it receives alerts for your county. Weather radios are the most reliable way to receive warnings during events that may disrupt cell service and internet.
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