Empire Fire in Yosemite National Park
Credit: NPS
October 18, 2017 - Over the past few days, Yosemite has been experiencing some high smoke concentrations. The recent weather pattern of higher temperatures and stable air has created conditions that have allowed the Empire fire to burn into an area with heavier fuels that produced smoke that didn’t fully clear out in the afternoons.
Smoke from other fires in the state, particularly those north of the bay area, has also contributed to the poor air quality in the park.
While there may be some relief over the next couple days, this pattern is forecasted to return again this weekend and into next week.
Air quality in Yosemite Valley and El Portal may go into the Air Quality Index category of “Unhealthy” at certain times over this period.
You may find more information on the Air Quality Index and recommended activity levels by going to https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
You may find more information on air quality in Yosemite at https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm
Source: K. Warner, NPS
