Making a splash on a lazy, hazy day

Bad air made a reappearance Friday in Yuba-Sutter.

The Feather River Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory Friday through today.

But it was hoped that a favorable breeze would show up today to clear out the air.

Friday's average had crept into the unhealthy range for sensitive groups, including children, seniors and people with respiratory problems. Particulate levels continued to climb through Friday afternoon.

"It's continuing to get worse as we go," said David A. Valler Jr., air pollution control officer for the Feather River Air Quality Management District.

This week's three days of air quality warnings began Thursday and were the first since particulate matter reached unhealthy levels on 20 of 24 days ending in mid July. Poor air was the results of numerous Northern California wildfires.

Winds died Friday, causing the increasing haze over Yuba-Sutter. The calm allowed smoke to creep in from Colusa and other parts of the Mid-Valley. The smoke had been kept at bay by southerly winds.

Winds were expected to shift today back to the southerly Delta breeze and improve air quality Saturday night through Sunday.

"A good southerly breeze will help clear us out a little bit," said Valler.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com.