Wildfire Smoke Blankets The Bay Area, Tanking Air Quality

SAN FRANCISCO — Smoke from wildfires burning in several states poured into the Bay Area on Wednesday, adding another hazard on a day that was already forecast to be the hottest of the week, with elevated risks for new fires.

The National Weather Service shared images from a St. Helena webcam Wednesday morning showing thick smoke rolling through the North Bay — portions of which remained under a Red Flag Warning.

By late morning, air quality readings had declined to moderate or unhealthy for sensitive groups ranges for many communities on the Peninsula and in the East Bay, reaching the unhealthy range to the north in parts of Santa Rosa, Windsor and Healdsburg, according to AirNow.

According to SFGATE, the smoke is courtesy of fires burning elsewhere in Northern California, Oregon and Washington, with the largest being the 75,000-acre Smith River Complex Fire burning near the Oregon border. Officials estimate 150 lightning strikes sparked 27 fires in the Six Rivers National Forest on Aug. 15, and the complex fire had reached just 7 percent containment more than two weeks later.

Anticipating the smoke impacts, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued its sixth Spare the Air alert of the year, encouraging people to take necessary precautions Wednesday.

"The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from this and other fires," the alert reads in part. "If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow."

Find live air quality readings near you.

The heat forecast remained largely on track Wednesday morning, apart from an even hotter day than previously expected for San Francisco.

"We're expecting temps to jump into the 80s this morning and early afternoon, with a few pockets potentially reaching 90," the National Weather Service wrote Wednesday. "Already at 9:30 this morning, SF temps are into the mid-70s."

Elsewhere, forecasters expected triple-digit heat for higher interior peaks and widespread highs in the 80s and 90s for inland areas, with low humidity and a breeze. Fortunately, relief from the heat and the smoke should arrive by Thursday.

"The offshore flow reduces into the evening, offering relief from the dry and windy conditions, and easing fire weather concerns," NWS Bay Area wrote. "This pattern change will also help remove the wildfire smoke and haze, leading into a much more pleasant second half of the work week."

A cooler trend is favored for the rest of the week, with a chance for a drizzle Saturday morning in the North Bay.