Wildfire smoke continues to cause poor air quality across western Nevada valleys
Smoke from the Caldor Fire near Lake Tahoe and the Dixie Fire near Susanville continues to cause poor air quality as it makes its way into the lower valley areas in Douglas, Carson City, Lyon and Washoe counties.
Air quality was in the "unhealthy" category for much of Wednesday morning and afternoon in Minden, Gardnerville, Carson City, Dayton, Virginia City, Reno and Sparks. Air quality may worsen on Thursday, according to National Weather Service forecasters.
Local air quality measurements, forecasts, and safety tips can be found at fire.airnow.gov.
The National weather Service advises residents to plan for prolonged periods of poor air quality due to smoke from the Caldor and Dixie fires until fire activity is greatly diminished.
Into Thursday, NWS forecasters say to expect the worst smoke and poorest air quality directly downwind of the Dixie and Caldor fires, with smoke filling portions of the Tahoe Basin and settling in some western Nevada valleys during the late night and morning hours.
Winds should be strong enough to provide some relief again Thursday afternoon. Lighter afternoon winds Friday and into the weekend may limit smoke dispersion in the afternoon and evenings and allow smoke to linger in valley locations.