by SAN DIEGO, CA — Residents across San Diego County are dealing with hazy skies and fluctuating air quality this week as smoke from several major California wildfires drifts south.
Officials warn that the combination of poor air quality and upcoming dangerous heat could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Wildfire Smoke From Multiple Blazes Reaches Southern California
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that smoke has been traveling into Southern California from multiple active fires, most notably the Gifford Fire burning more than 80,000 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
According to Fox 5 San Diego, this wildfire, combined with the Rosa Fire near the Santa Rosa Mountains and the Gold Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, has created a blanket of haze stretching from the coast to inland areas.
Meteorologists say the smoke has also reached parts of Nevada and Utah, carried by upper-level winds. While some of the smoke remains high in the atmosphere, enough is mixing near the surface to impact breathing conditions in San Diego.
Air Quality Forecast: From Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
According to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the air quality forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday will range from good (green) to unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange). These conditions mean that while healthy individuals may not notice immediate effects, those with asthma, respiratory conditions, heart disease, or young children should limit strenuous outdoor activity.
The NWS says hazy skies will persist through at least Thursday morning. Even when smoke particles are not visible at ground level, fine particulate matter can remain in the air and cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Coastal communities will also experience patchy cloud coverage from a shallow marine layer, while inland regions may see clearer skies but still face harmful particulate levels.
Health Precautions During Wildfire Smoke Events
The South Coast Air Quality Management District urges residents to take proactive measures when wildfire smoke is present:
- Wear an N95 mask outdoors to filter fine particles
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Run an HVAC system or air purifier with a clean filter
- Avoid using leaf blowers or vacuums without HEPA filters, as they can stir up ash and dust
- If cleaning up ash, wear goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect skin and eyes
For sensitive individuals, even brief outdoor exposure can trigger coughing, wheezing, headaches, or chest discomfort. Officials stress that children, the elderly, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions should be especially cautious.
Read Also: More Heat on the Way for California: What Bay Area Residents Can Expect This Week
Heat to Compound Health Concerns Later This Week
As smoke lingers, another weather hazard is on the way. Inland San Diego County will be under a heat advisory later this week, while desert areas will face an extreme heat warning. Temperatures in these areas are forecast to soar well into the triple digits, with the combination of heat stress and smoke inhalation significantly increasing health risks.
Meteorologists caution that when temperatures rise and air quality drops, the body’s ability to cool itself can be compromised. This can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and worsened respiratory symptoms.
Long-Term Impact and Safety Reminders
Air quality experts note that wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Repeated exposure to such particles has been linked to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
San Diego residents are encouraged to monitor real-time air quality data through resources like AirNow.gov or local agencies, adjust outdoor activities accordingly, and have an emergency plan in place in case conditions deteriorate.
Officials also advise residents to check in on neighbors, especially seniors and those without air conditioning, who may struggle during prolonged periods of heat and poor air quality.
How are you coping with the haze and heat in San Diego this week? Share your experiences, safety tips, and photos with us at ibwhsmag.com and join the conversation.
