A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 70F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Cloudy skies. Low near 40F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

IQ Air’s map of air quality monitoring stations across the country shows the negative impact fires in the west are having on air quality. Green in good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, red is unhealthy, light purple is very unhealthy, and dark purple is hazardous.

IQ Air’s map of air quality monitoring stations across the country shows the negative impact fires in the west are having on air quality. Green in good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, red is unhealthy, light purple is very unhealthy, and dark purple is hazardous.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday, Sept. 12, for Lake County as well as Baker, Crook, Deschutes, eastern Lane, Grant, Harney, Klamath, Malheur, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler counties due to smoke primarily from the Cedar Creek fire near Oakridge and the Double Mountain fire near Joseph.

Lakeview is also experiencing smoky conditions due to the Barnes Fire burning approximately 17 miles south of town.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Wednesday, Sept. 14. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. DEQ encourages people to check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.

- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.

- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.

- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.

- If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucmx_hj1SW8. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.

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