Onshore Flow Expected To Provide Relief To Region Choked By Smoke

RIVERSIDE, CA — Riverside County residents were advised to avoid the outdoors again Saturday as wildfire smoke continues to smother the region, but there is relief in sight thanks to onshore winds forecast for the evening.

With two major wildfires spewing ash into the air above the region, unhealthy or hazardous levels of particulate matter remain a health threat, according to South Coast Air Quality Management District. A smoke advisory remains in place through the afternoon for Riverside County, and residents are being encouraged to stay indoors with the windows closed and to avoid strenuous activity. However an onshore wind is expected to blow through in the evening, pushing the smokey air north and bringing some relief to residents who have been suck indoors for days.

The El Dorado Fire is burning in the Yucaipa area in San Bernardino County and has blackened more than 14,000 acres. It was 39% contained as of Saturday morning.

The Bobcat Fire, which has scorched over 29,000 acres north of Azusa and Monrovia in the Angeles National Forest, was 6% contained Saturday morning.

Onshore winds forecast to start in the early afternoon expected to move most of the smoke north and northeast into the mountains and eventually out of the region, according to the AQMD.

However, smoke wafting in from fires in central and northern California could continue to have negative impacts on the air quality, AQMD officials said.

Anyone who smells smoke or sees ash from a wildfire was advised to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.