As wildfires burn, most of Stanislaus air is ‘moderate.’ Where isn’t it? And will it last?
Wildfire smoke may be affecting air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, but so far Stanislaus County has largely not entered the “unhealthy” range, according to both the National Weather Service and the SJ Valley Air Pollution Control District.
The Weather Service posted Wednesday on social media an AirNow air-quality map that shows areas north and west of Modesto — including the West Side of Stanislaus County — with air considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The ratings are based on measurements of PM2.5, or fine, inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
When air quality levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups, the Weather Service says, that means people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children and older adults should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Also, use air filters and keep windows closed, the Weather Service recommends.
According to the air district, fires that may be affecting SJ Valley air are the SRF Lightning and Redwood Complex in Humboldt County, the Happy Camp Complex in Siskiyou County, the Smith River Complex in Del Norte County and the Redwood Fire in Tulare County.
A forecaster at the Weather Service in Sacramento said it looks like Stanislaus County could get northwest and west-northwest winds on Thursday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean air quality will worsen. On Valleyair.org, the next day’s air quality forecast is available daily after 4:30 p.m.
The NWS seven-day forecast for Modesto shows mild winds through Friday but so far includes no air quality alerts.
Where is the smoke coming from?
Multiple fires are burning farther north in the state and bordering the Oregon border, including Siskiyou, Trinity and Humboldt counties.
See where with our live-updating map:
