Double whammy of heat, smoke hit Sonoma and Napa counties

A double whammy of smoke from fires in Northern California — though not in the immediate area — and high temperatures is hitting Sonoma and Napa counties, leading to an air quality advisory and a heat advisory for both on Friday.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory for the Bay Area, especially at higher elevations, and for the North Bay.

Residents may see hazy skies and smell smoke.

Winds from the northwest are pushing smoke from regional fires into Sonoma and Napa. And wind from the South Bay is not strong enough to clear it out.

The smoke may come from two large wildfires: the 4,472-acre Hill Fire west of Sugarloaf Mountain in Humboldt County and the 15,460-acre Shelly Fire, near Shelly Lake in Siskiyou County.

“The ways our winds are acting right now are not helping to transport them away, said Brayden Murdock, weather service meteorologist. “(But) as we switch patterns over the weekend, it will be a little easier for the smoky hazy conditions to be pushed out of the area.”

No wildfires are currently burning locally.

Wildfire smoke, which contains pollutants and harmful particles, can irritate eyes, noses and throats. It can cause wheezing in people with asthma, emphysema or COPD. Sensitive individuals should take extra precautions to protect themselves from smoky air.

The air district encourages staying indoors with windows and doors closed, if possible.

Check air quality in your area below:

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for much of California, including Sonoma and Napa, until 11 p.m. Friday.

Temperatures mid-afternoon Friday are forecast to reach 104 degrees in Windsor, 103 degrees in Healdsburg, 102 degrees in St. Helena, 101 degrees in Cloverdale, 100 degrees in Santa Rosa and 99 degrees in Petaluma. Napa will be a bit cooler than most of the North Bay with a high of 95 degrees, according to the weather service.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

You can reach Breaking News Intern Amy Moore at 707-526-8545 or amy.moore@pressdemocrat.com.