Wildfire ​Smoke Extends Air Quality Advisory Through Tuesday

BAY AREA, CA – An air quality advisory for smoke has been extended through Tuesday, as smoke from wildfires may continue to affect air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. Offshore winds with periods of north and northeasterly flow are expected to cause smoke from regional wildfires to persist throughout the region, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

If you see or smell smoke, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, air district officials said. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from coming inside.

Smoky conditions can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in people who suffer from asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, air district officials said.

Click here for real-time air quality readings.

Photo by Ashley Ludwig/Patch