Live-updating maps show unhealthy air quality in Northern California as wildfires burn

Brianna Taylor
·2 min read
2

Sacramento woke up to a hazy skyline Wednesday morning as wildfires continued to burn north of the capital city.

According to an air quality forecast from Spare the Air, winds began to push smoke from wildfires in the far northwest corner of California and southern Oregon into the Sacramento region on Tuesday. The result: Worsened air quality across the Sacramento Valley.

Air pollution was recorded at “unhealthy” levels, above AQI 150 in parts of Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter and Colusa counties — Oak Park, West Sacramento, Davis, West Butte and Princeton — according to an online air quality map from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pollution levels reached “unhealthy for sensitive groups” near Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, North Highlands and Carmichael. Moderate levels were recorded in Roseville, Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, AQI readings between 101 and 150 are considered “unhealthy” for sensitive groups including children, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart and lung conditions. “Moderate” AQI readings between 51 and 100 are considered “acceptable” but conditions could affect those extremely sensitive to ozone.

The Sacramento region’s forecast for Wednesday has air quality at 112 AQI, according to Spare the Air. Thursday’s forecast is 91 AQI.

TODAY’S AIR QUALITY

This live-updating map shows the combined readings for particulate matter and ozone.
Source: airnow.gov

CALIFORNIA'S AIR QUALITY

This live-updating map shows the combined readings for particulate matter and ozone.
Source: airnow.gov

Red flag warning in effect for the Sacramento Valley

The area’s first red flag warning of the year remains in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday as wildfire threats loom, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning is issued when fire conditions have either entered the area or are expected soon. The mix of gusty wind, low humidity and high temperatures could cause a wildfire to grow quickly in both size and strength.

The “highest threat” will be on the western portion of the Sacramento Valley, along Interstate 5, according to the weather service.

Winds are expected to whip between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts from 30 to 35 mph.

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