by Kelsey Penrose
It’s still fire season in the desert, and after a few days respite from the smoke, it’s returned with force to settle across Carson City and the surrounding valleys.
According to Airnow.gov , the AQI (Air Quality Index) for Carson City as of 7 a.m. was still in the “Good” range with an AQI of 27, but it is predicted to slip into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” later today as smoke from the Dixie Fire continues to settle in the valleys, and will continue to be of poor quality into the weekend.
Minden, Gardnerville, Dayton and Washoe Valley will all similarly be heading into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” this afternoon as well as tomorrow.
Sensitive Groups include senior citizens, children, and those with breathing issues such as asthma, allergies, and more.
The following is from the Weather Service:
The Dixie Fire and other wildfires west of the Sierra continue to
produce smoke and haze for much of northern California and
Nevada. Visible satellite imagery Thursday along with air quality
and visibility sensors showed the rapid progression of the smoke
plume south and southeast as a cold front pushed through the
region. High-resolution smoke simulations are also in agreement
for this widespread smoke and haze for much of the Sierra, the
Tahoe Basin, and western Nevada, including Reno, Carson City,
Lovelock and Minden.
Light winds today may keep smoke across the Sierra and western
Nevada for much of the day, including this evening, where little
to no west winds are forecast. Saturday afternoon, the winds may
pick up a little bit, but for the most part the smoke will persist
through Saturday with varying degrees of smoke density. This may
limit visibility and will likely impact air quality for much of
the region.
Today and Saturday may be particularly awful when it comes to the
smoke and haze, so take precautions and plan for it. Here are a
few other tips from the Washoe County Air Quality Management
Division:
1. Reduce or stop outdoor activity and stay inside.
2. Keep AC on if available, the fresh-air intake closed,
filter clean, and windows closed.
3. Pay attention to air quality on AirNow.gov.
4. Follow the advice of your doctor, especially those
with heart or lung disease.
5. Wet or dry clothes, dust, or surgical masks do not
protect you from ozone or fine particulates.
For more tips on how to keep yourself and others safe, check with your local air quality district.
To keep up to date on the current air quality, please visit AirNow.gov
