An air quality advisory, initially set to end on Friday, has been extended through Saturday due to ongoing wildfire smoke, as reported by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

The smoke, drifting into the region from fires in the western U.S. and Canada, is being exacerbated by an inversion layer that traps pollutants. The district noted that with increasing onshore winds expected, air quality is projected to range from good to moderate.

Conditions may change quickly, and predicting smoke levels at ground level is challenging. Residents can monitor real-time smoke pollution using the U.S. EPA’s fire and smoke map.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other pollutants that can be harmful even with brief exposure. To protect their health, residents should stay indoors with windows and doors closed if possible. Using air conditioning units or car vents set to recirculate, and visiting locations with filtered air such as libraries or malls, can help reduce smoke exposure. Symptoms of smoke exposure include eye irritation, coughing, scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate levels can also worsen conditions for those with asthma, emphysema, or COPD.

Older adults, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions. The district will continue to monitor air quality, but current pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national health standard, so no Spare the Air Alert is in place.