The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District says ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range again today in Western Nevada County, due to the combination of high temperatures, mild winds from the Sacramento region, poor atmospheric dispersion and an abundance of ozone precursors associated with the Trailhead Fire in Placer County. Gretchen Bennett, the Executive Director of the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. says advisories have been issued.

click to listen to Gretchen Bennett

She says what’s interesting is that the Local Air District has not issued an ozone advisory since 2014. The current advisory is for Sensitive Groups, or those most at risk from exposure to ground level ozone.

click to listen to Gretchen Bennett

Bennett says there is a meter on their website, My-Air-District-dot-Com. that will give you real time information on the current levels of Ozone…

click to listen to Gretchen Bennett
Bennett says the air quality last night was poor and exceeded the Federal air quality standard for ozone, and it looks like we’re probably going to have higher levels again later today. In addition, an intermittent haze of smoke from the Trailhead Fire may exacerbate the health effects of ozone at times.