Current:Home > MarketsThese parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke -AssetTrainer
These parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke
View
Date:2025-04-24 13:34:45
A smoky haze is currently blanketing the San Francisco Bay Area due to wildfires burning in the northwest, creating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
The smoke stemming from multiple wildfires that continue to burn in rural areas of Northwestern California is getting pushed southward across parts of Northern California, including the Bay Area. Much of the smoke and haze is located in the upper atmosphere.
MORE: Wildfires in recent years have reversed some of the progress made in eliminating air pollution, new study suggests
Fire officials are letting them burn out since they are not threatening people or property.
The smoke was so thick on Wednesday that the San Francisco Bay Bridge was barely visible from the coastlines along the bay and the San Francisco skyline was barely visible across the bay from the Port of Oakland, ABC San Francisco station KGO reported.
The Air Quality Index for San Francisco on Wednesday afternoon was at 113, or "Code Orange," signifying unhealthy air pollution levels for sensitive groups.
Much of the smoke and haze is located in the upper atmosphere. The National Weather Service has not issued any air quality alerts for the region, but the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a "Spare the Air" alert through Thursday, which bans burning wood, fire logs or other solid fuel to prevent from further contributing to the poor air quality.
MORE: New app will allow New Yorkers to avoid commuting through the poorest air quality
A fire weather watch was in effect for much of Wednesday for the North Bay Hills and Solano County due to gusty winds and low humidity. Red flag warnings were also issued for portions of Napa County, according to the NWS.
San Francisco resident Sarah Ryherd told KGO that it smells like a campfire around the city.
Another resident told the station that they had put a mask on after he began to feel the effects of the air pollution in their throat.
Some schools in the region canceled sports activities due to the smoke, KGO reported. The fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, contained in wildfire smoke can cause serious health problems if inhaled, especially for vulnerable populations, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MORE: HSmoke blankets San Francisco as residents forced to don masks to breathe
Air quality will likely not improve in the region until Friday, said KGO meteorologist Lisa Argen.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.
veryGood! (5126)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Railroads and regulators must address the dangers of long trains, report says
- These Zodiac Signs Will Be Affected the Most During the “Trifecta” Super Eclipse on September 17
- Northern lights forecast: These Midwest states may catch Monday's light show
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Bill Belichick looking back on Super Bowl victories highlight 'ManningCast' during MNF
- Tough treatment and good memories mix at newest national site dedicated to Latinos
- 'That was a big one!' Watch Skittles the parrot perform unusual talent: Using a human toilet
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Don’t Miss Gap Outlet’s Extra 60% off Clearance Sale – Score a $59 Dress for $16, $5 Tanks & More
Ranking
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Haunting last message: 'All good here.' Coast Guard's Titan submersible hearing begins
- Ex-police officer accused of killing suspected shoplifter is going on trial in Virginia
- JoJo Siwa Says New Girlfriend Dakayla Wilson Is “On Board” With Future Baby Plans
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Miley Cyrus sued over allegations her hit song 'Flowers' copied a Bruno Mars song
- 'Golden Bachelorette' Joan Vassos ready to find TV prince: 'You have to kiss some frogs'
- What is the best used SUV to buy? Consult this list of models under $10,000
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
90 Day Fiancé’s Big Ed Brown Engaged to Porscha Raemond 24 Hours After Meeting at Fan Event
Sean Diddy Combs Arrested in New York
Tough treatment and good memories mix at newest national site dedicated to Latinos
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Overseas threats hit the Ohio city where Trump and Vance lies slandered Haitians over dogs and cats
Haunting last message: 'All good here.' Coast Guard's Titan submersible hearing begins
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is expected in court after New York indictment