The local air quality is only moderate because of the Cranston wildfire burning in Riverside County, according an advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for today through Tuesday. Fortunately, today’s temperatures are relatively mild in our neighborhoods with highs from the mid 70s to around 80 at the beaches to around 90 inland.
According to the SCAQMD advisory: The Cranston Fire, is burning to the east of Hemet in Riverside County within the San Bernardino National Forest. The burn area was last reported at 13,139 acres with fifty seven percent containment. Southerly winds this morning will transition to an onshore flow this afternoon with predicted wind gusts up to 25 mph. Winds will then transition to a northerly wind during the evening and overnight hours. During the overnight and early morning hours, downslope winds might bring smoke into the valleys west of the fire.
Overall, meteorological conditions may bring smoke into portions of San Bernardino County and Riverside County, including the Coachella Valley. Air quality may reach Unhealthy levels or higher in areas directly impacted by smoke.
Areas of direct smoke impacts and Unhealthful air quality may include portions of:
- Riverside County: Areas 23 (Metropolitan Riverside), 24 (Perris Valley), 27 (Anza), 28 (Hemet/San Jacinto Valley), 29 (Banning Pass), and 30 (Coachella Valley).
- San Bernardino County: Areas 34 (Central San Bernardino Valley), 35 (East San Bernardino Valley), 37 (Central San Bernardino Mountains), and 38 (Big Bear Lake).
In any area impacted by smoke: If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity. For more tips on protecting yourself during a wildfire, see SCAQMD’s Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety Tips page: http://www.aqmd.gov/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips
SCAQMD Advisory updates can be found at the following link:Â http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/air-quality/advisories/advisory.pdf?
To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, see http://www3.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/home.aspx
For more information on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see SCAQMD’s Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety Tips page at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips
For a map of SCAQMD Forecast Areas, see
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/map-of-monitoring-areas.pdf
