FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Dense Valley fog continues to roll in, prompting two school closures Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
The layer developing overnight and stretching into the early morning hours which is a weather pattern that can also affect Valley air quality.<\/p>\n
“Coming down Turlock and Merced towards Fresno and going down to Tulare, you see an increasing in poor air quality,” said Dr. Praveen Buddiga, a Valley allergist and immunologist who has served hundreds of patients in Central California.<\/p>\n
“The same pattern that promotes fog in the morning hours is also a pollution trap, so no surprise the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive individuals right now, and the forecast remains just that,” said ABC30 Meteorologist Kevin Musso.<\/p>\n
“The air quality index increases as we go south towards Bakersfield,” said Dr. Buddiga.<\/p>\n
As the number climbs on the Air Quality Index, so does the threat of breathing in poor air for everyone.<\/p>\n
“Such as those with lung problems such as asthma, COPD, chronic bronchial infection, bronchitis,” said Dr. Buddiga.<\/p>\n
Those most at risk are young children with developing lungs who are more susceptible to the particulate matter found in the Valley air.<\/p>\n
“Teeny, tiny particles — in many cases, you can breathe them in, inhale them; it gets into your bloodstream. It has a very bad effect on your health,” said Heinks.<\/p>\n
Dust and diesel particles linger in the Valley air grab onto Valley fog which acts as a sponge. That can result in dangerous air quality.<\/p>\n
Fog only adding to that danger, trapping man-made pollutants at ground-level.<\/p>\n
As fog lingers and Valley temperatures drop more and more homeowners fire up their fireplace for warmth.<\/p>\n
“You can smell a much stronger sense of smoke in the air — that’s simply because if there are any houses in the area burning, it’s hanging out in that fog right with us,” said Heinks.<\/p>\n
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