Current:Home > StocksThese parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke -TradeGrid
These parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke
View
Date:2025-04-26 06:48:21
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! (27)
Related
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- 2024 Men's College World Series: Teams, matchups, schedule, TV for every game
- Why Emilia Clarke Feared She Would Get Fired From Game of Thrones After Having Brain Aneurysms
- Takeaways from AP examination of flooding’s effect along Mississippi River
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- It Ends With Us’ Justin Baldoni Is “On the Mend” After Being Hospitalized With Infection
- King Charles III painting vandalized by animal rights activists
- Police in Ohio fatally shoot man who they say charged at officers with knife
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Glaciers in Peru’s Central Andes Might Be Gone by 2050s, Study Says
Ranking
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Over 1.2 million Good Earth light bars recalled after multiple fires, 1 customer death
- Nevada Republicans prepare to choose a candidate to face Jacky Rosen in critical Senate race
- Governorship and House seat on the ballot in conservative North Dakota, where GOP primaries are key
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Panthers now 2 wins from the Stanley Cup, top Oilers 4-1 for 2-0 lead in title series
- Utah governor looks to rebound in primary debate after harsh reception at GOP convention
- Jurors will resume deliberations in federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter
Recommendation
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Arthritis is common, especially among seniors. Here's what causes it.
Supreme Court seeks Biden administration's views in major climate change lawsuits
Grandparents, parents among 5 arrested in 8-month-old baby's mysterious disappearance
Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
'Not all about scoring': Jayson Tatum impacts NBA Finals with assists, rebounds, defense
A Potential Below Deck Mediterranean Cheating Scandal Is About to Rock the Boat
NFL’s dedication to expanding flag football starts at the top with Commissioner Roger Goodell