A look at air quality around the First Coast as wildfire smoke worsens

In locations ranging from Waycross to Palatka, air quality has been deemed unhealthy for “sensitive groups” or worse at times.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Due to the many wildfires across the First Coast, smoke is becoming more prevalent in our skies and reducing air quality.

Some locations, such as Brunswick, Waycross Folkston, Fernandina, Lake City and Palatka have had air quality values of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or worse.

“Sensitive groups” include people with asthma, heart diseases, lung diseases, older adults, children and teenagers.

Smoke will remain a concern for the next several days, especially in the mornings as calmer conditions settle the smoke near the surface.

Be cautious of reduced visibility and poor air quality during the morning commutes. Keep windows up and air recirculating in your car.

In the afternoons, winds help disperse the smoke a bit, but the calmer the conditions, the worse the air quality. The Atlantic sea breeze will also push smoke inland later in the day.

Here’s a look at the air quality around the First Coast as of 11 p.m. Tuesday: