KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Weather forecasts and fire mop-up projections have
Klamath County Public Health officials predicting slightly improved air quality
over the weekend for the Klamath Basin.
The fires in Southwest Oregon and Northern California were expected to
become active as the inversion layer lifted Friday morning, but winds are
expected to clear out some residual smoke. Improvement in the air quality index
is expected, but will likely remain unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as
people with respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-80s Saturday and
Sunday. High temperatures can make the smoky conditions more uncomfortable.
Knowing the range of air quality numbers can help people make good choices
about outdoor activities.
The six
levels of the air quality index are:
·
Good is 0 to 50. Air
quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
· Moderate is 51 to 100. Air quality
is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health
concern for a very small number of people.
· Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is
101 to 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this
range, people with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at a
greater risk.
· Unhealthy is 151 to 200. Everyone
may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the
sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
· Very Unhealthy is 201 to 300. This
would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more
serious health effects.
·
Hazardous is greater
than 300. This would trigger a health warning of emergency conditions. The
entire population is more likely to be affected.
Residents are encouraged to visit https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map to learn the current air quality
index.