Home / Environment / NorCal Chokes on Smoke: Fires Rage in WA & OR
NorCal Chokes on Smoke: Fires Rage in WA & OR
4 Aug
Summary
- Wildfire smoke from Washington and Oregon is blanketing Northern California.
- A local wildfire, the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, adds to the haze.
- Triple-digit heat continues across Northern California, with cooler relief expected mid-week.
Wildfire smoke originating from Washington and Oregon has begun to drift into Northern California, creating haze across the region. This widespread smoke is primarily attributed to the Spokane Complex fires in Washington, with additional smoke pollution originating from other fires in Washington and Oregon. San Francisco and the Coast Range are expected to see increasing smoke.
A local wildfire, known as the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, is also contributing to air quality issues, particularly affecting communities around the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills. A light north wind may push this smoke into Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Tuolumne counties, potentially worsening air quality there before shifting eastward towards Bear Valley, Arnold, and Sonora on Tuesday night.
The smoke coincides with a continued heatwave across Northern California. Temperatures are predicted to reach approximately 101 degrees Fahrenheit in Sacramento and 102 degrees Fahrenheit in Stockton and Modesto. Other areas, including Lincoln and Marysville, could also experience triple-digit temperatures. While a Delta breeze is expected to bring minor temperature relief on Wednesday and Thursday, triple-digit heat is forecast to return by Friday and Saturday.
Firefighting efforts for the Gann Fire were aided by higher humidity and lighter winds Tuesday morning. However, conditions later in the day, characterized by rising temperatures, stronger winds, and lower humidity, could present greater challenges for crews battling the blaze.
