Relief from smoky skies and bad air may be on its way. Here’s what experts predict
A storm front from the Pacific Northwest is expected to arrive next weekend, bringing some relief from the central San Joaquin Valley’s smoky skies, suffocating air quality and triple-digit heat.
National Weather Service meteorologist David Spector said that while the storm isn’t expected to bring rain, it will provide the region with a strong westerly flow of cooler air. Those winds could push out the stagnant, smoky air that has settled into the area from wildfires raging north of the central Valley.
The incoming storm that could arrive Sunday also is expected to knock temperatures down a few degrees to seasonal average highs in the mid-90s and lows in the mid-60s.
High heat and smoky air has made for poor air quality in the region. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued an air quality alert on Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday’s air quality was rated as very unhealthy in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. Madera County’s air quality was rated as unhealthy.
Air pollution control officials recommend people stay indoors, saying the particle pollution can cause serious health problems, including aggravating lung disease, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.
For the latest on air quality information visit the air pollution control district’s website at www.valleyair.org.
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 3:03 PM.
