As forecast yesterday by those in the know, the smoke situation that has dimmed and discolored the sky over the Bay Area isn't going to magically clear on Friday. There isn't enough wind to push the smoke in any direction except swirling over us, according to the latest model.
"Smoke and haze also continue to reduce visibility across our entire region and a thick layer of smoke continues to blanket much of the state,” said the National Weather Service in a Friday morning statement. “Given that winds are forecast to remain light through a deep layer of the atmosphere today, the thick smoke layer will persist and visibilities will be slow to improve."
Below is the depressing illustration of the enormous cloud of wildfire smoke over the region and how it will not move as the hours go by today.
The HRRR Model's forecast of total smoke indicates more of the same through this evening with widespread heavy smoke concentrations persisting. Continued light winds will mean very little in the way of smoke dispersion. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/eNp14x6XBY
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) September 11, 2020
Air quality in San Francisco and many of the surrounding counties has been "purple" or "very unhealthy" for everyone since Thursday evening, and that isn't changing until — hopefully — tomorrow. This means the air is a lot worse to breathe than it was on Thursday morning.
PurpleAir was picking up AQI readings on the San Francisco peninsula of upwards of 300, with one reading of 352. As SFGate notes, these readings put the Bay Area at the top of the world's regions for the worst air quality anywhere right now.
STAY INDOORS!
Ash continues to accumulate on cars and all outdoor surfaces, and Wednesday's orange glow has given way to something more gray and ordinarily gloomy.
It's also the 25th consecutive "Spare the Air" day, continuing to set a record there.
As KPIX reports, San Francisco State officials canceled whatever limited on-campus classes or activities were happening on Friday.
Previously: Smoky Skies To Last At Least Through Friday As Air Quality Worsens In Bay Area
Image via PurpleAir