The highest AQ index in California (as of 15:00 PST) is currently the Bakersfield area. Particle Pollution (PM2.5) is measuring at 85 (Moderate). This means air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Over the next few days, the highest Particle Pollution (PM2.5) will be in the Portola area. It is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, meaning members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27 are Wood Stove Curtailment Days. Wood stove burning is prohibited unless you are burning seasoned wood in a registered EPA-compliant wood stove with phase two emissions control technology or better. For more information on registering your wood heating device please contact NSAQMD at 530-832-0102. Monday, January 26: Atmospheric mixing will decrease as a ridge of high pressure aloft builds over the northern Sierras. In addition, calm to light southwesterly winds will hinder dispersion, while smoke from regional pile burning contributes to particle levels. As a result, AQI levels will be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Tuesday, January 27: As the ridge aloft shifts slowly eastward, moderate southwesterly winds will aid dispersion during the day. However, light winds and temperature inversions will limit dispersion and confine pollutants near the surface during the morning and evening hours, leading to mid-Moderate AQI levels. Wednesday, light and variable winds will continue to hinder dispersion. Furthermore, moisture associated with light precipitation during the early morning hours will aid particle production. These conditions will lead to mid-Moderate AQI levels. Thursday and Friday, as another upper-level ridge of high pressure gradually builds over the Portola region, morning and evening temperature inversions will confine pollutants to the lower levels of the atmosphere. Furthermore, calm winds throughout most of the period will allow pollutants to accumulate in Portola. As a result, AQI levels will be high-Moderate on Thursday and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Friday. Saturday, atmospheric mixing will increase slightly as the ridge aloft moves into the Great Basin. However, calm winds will continue to limit dispersion, while morning and evening inversions trap pollutants near the surface. Therefore, AQI levels will be high-Moderate.
| Range | 0 - 50 | 51 - 100 | 101 - 150 | 151 - 200 | 201 - 300 | 301 - 500 |
| Color | ||||||
| Category | Good | Moderate | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Unhealthy | Very Unhealthy | Hazardous |
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Below is a list of counties in California. Click on any county below and you'll get a list of cities where we provide AQ index forecasts.