Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Advisory Through Weekend

BAY AREA, CA – Smoky air conditions are now expected through Sunday, prompting the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to extend an air quality advisory through the weekend.

Forecasters had expected the conditions to subside, but that forecast changed because the marine layer, a shallow cool layer of air near the ground, has been deeper than anticipated. Smoky air at higher altitudes expanded to the ground level due to the marine layer and strong onshore winds, according to air district officials.

If it looks smoky outside, residents should avoid physical outside activities and stay inside with windows and doors closed, according to the air district. Residents should also 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.

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