Sacramento region could see smoke from northern wildfires as winds pick up

Updated Aug. 30, 9:27 a.m.

The Sacramento region is seeing hazy conditions and poorer air quality this week as strong winds push wildfire smoke from the north into the valley.

Forecasters are expecting winds from the north of around 15-25 mph starting Tuesday night and into Wednesday evening. That will help funnel smoke from the dozens of lightning-caused wildfires burning along the California-Oregon border into the Sacramento Valley.

The smoke and haze present across much of the Valley this morning will diminish briefly this afternoon. However, we're expecting haze/smoke to return overnight and into Thursday morning. To check your local air quality, https://t.co/XYTBpMFRoP #Cawx pic.twitter.com/8i0gW2uPTM

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 30, 2023

The air quality index in the region topped 150 on Wednesday, which is rated unhealthy, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. At that level, officials recommend that all people limit outdoor activities and to go indoors if they experience symptoms related to poor air quality, and for those at risk to consider moving all activities indoors.

The district wrote that “smoke may become dense at times” in Sacramento, Yolo and Solano counties, with better air quality possibly returning Friday. You can see a map of smoke conditions at airnow.gov. 

The strong winds have also increased the chances for wildfire activity in Northern California over the coming days. The National Weather Service issued its first red flag warning of the year, running from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Wednesday for the western Sacramento Valley from Fairfield to Redding.

On Tuesday, PG&E announced it could cut power to more than 8,000 customers in seven western valley counties to try and prevent its lines from sparking wildfires.

California’s wet winter has helped lower the risk of massive wildfires so far this year. Major fires have been limited to the southeastern desert and the lightly populated far northwest near the Oregon border where lightning ignited many fires this month. 

The largest group, the Smith River Complex, has scorched 12,673 acres. As of Tuesday, the fires were 20% contained.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.