Smoke to Clear Out, Return Late in Week

Though it should clear out by tonight, unfortunately the valley's brown haze of forest fire smoke is forecast to return by the end of the week.

The current smoke comes from a relatively small wildfire burning near Prospect.

National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Petreucelli keeps an eye on smoke conditions as part of his duties in Medford.

"Compared to last year, it was probably about the same but not as bad. It varies from one season to the next, it just depends on where the fires are and where the winds take those fires," he says.

Petreucelli said the smoke is coming from the 400-acre Middle Fork Fire north of Prospect.

"More than likely it's going to remain that way for at least a day or two," he said on Sunday. "It looks like things will start clearing out as we get into Monday afternoon or Monday night."

More smoky days are on the horizon, Petreucelli said. The forecast calls for smoke to return by the end of the week.

For Medford resident Nathan Lambi and his two kids, Sunday was almost a perfect.

"I like to be outdoors so I'm not really inside a lot, and I love to spend as much time as I can with my kids," Lambi said, even if it is a bit smoky outside. "I've seen a lot worse but its definitely not good for breathing quality."

Even slightly smoky days cause issues. Lambi said his son, Alex, has allergies and gets a runny nose. If the smoke gets really bad, he develops a cough. Still, he said they'll try to stay active.