Worsening air quality, areas of smoke forecast

By KEN CARLSON
kcarlson@modbee.com

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Air quality is expected to worsen today in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, and the region will have areas of patchy smoke this week.

It's considered unhealthy for seniors, children and people with chronic health conditions. People who live in Tuolumne County and the Sierra foothills are wrestling with heat as well as smoke being driven into the area from fires elsewhere in the state.

The high pressure building over Northern California is putting a lid on the San Joaquin Valley, keeping the smoke from dispersing, said Gary Arcemont, a senior air quality specialist for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The smoke is able to block sunlight, which takes some heat off during the day and also causes a slight increase in nighttime temperatures.

The air in the foothills is unhealthy for sensitive people, but it tends to fluctuate and can be more unhealthy in some areas, officials said.

Todd Stolp, public health officer for Tuolumne County, advised residents to use the visibility to monitor air quality near their homes or work sites. Monday, visibility ranged from five or six miles to less than three miles in some canyons.

With less than three miles of visibility, the pollution is unhealthy for everyone and people should avoid going outside, Stolp said. If landmarks are visible from three to five miles away, people with asthma, lung disease and other chronic illnesses should stay indoors and close their windows.

Until the air quality improves, people should postpone strenuous outdoor activities that are not necessary, Stolp said.