California smoke map: Check air quality with hazy skies from wildfire smoke
Smoke from the Gann Fire will create hazy skies in parts of Northern California on Wednesday, according to our weather team.
Expect the thickest smoke along and east of Highway 49 into the Tahoe area. As winds shift, the smoke may also shift south on Thursday.
Pollution particles in wildfire smoke can be harmful in the short and long term, regardless of someone’s current health status.
Knowing how to check air quality conditions can help you make the best decisions to keep yourself and your family safe.
Here are two tools that the KCRA 3 Weather Team uses and trusts.
This site is run by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA has sensors throughout Northern California that track both smoke pollution and ozone pollution. Live updates on those readings can be seen using AirNow’s interactive map. The site also provides a rough forecast of expected air quality conditions in specific areas.
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All of the reports are based on the Air Quality Index, also developed by the EPA.
An AQI of 50 or lower represents “Good” quality air that is relatively free of pollutants. Once the AQI reaches 101, air pollution is at a level that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including the very old, the very young and anyone with a respiratory or immune condition.
An AQI above 300 is hazardous in the short and long term for everyone.
If you want to check the air quality on the go, the AirNow app is a good, free resource.
PurpleAir is a private company with its own network of air quality monitors purchased by users around the world. These sensors are specifically designed to track smoke pollution.
The free interactive map page displays real-time AQI readings.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
There are also plenty of in-home air quality monitors that you can purchase, just be sure the ones you are looking at specifically measure smoke pollution or particle pollution.
When also else fails: use your own senses. If you can see, smell or even taste smoke, it’s a sure bet that you should proceed with caution. Staying inside with clean, recirculated air is the best option. Be sure to routinely change out your home or business’ HVAC filters and check your car’s cabin filter.
If you need to be outside, an N95 or KN-95 mask can provide some protection.
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