why is the air quality bad today bay area

The Bay Area is experiencing bad air quality today primarily due to wildfire smoke. Smoke from large wildfires, such as the Gifford Fire burning in the Central Coast and other fires nearby, is drifting into the Bay Area, causing elevated levels of particulate matter in the air. These wildfires produce ash and fine particles that degrade air quality and create smoky, hazy skies with sometimes an orange or yellow tint. Weather patterns, including wind direction shifts, are bringing this smoke into the region. The marine layer can temporarily protect some areas by mixing in cleaner ocean air, but once it dissipates, smoke concentrations near the surface can increase, worsening air quality further. Residents are advised to stay indoors with windows closed and use air purifiers, especially sensitive groups like children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues. This wildfire smoke pollution comes in addition to ongoing air pollution factors such as transportation emissions and busier local activities. In summary, the main reason for bad air quality in the Bay Area today is smoke from nearby wildfires combined with meteorological conditions that bring and trap this polluted air in the region.