NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Parts of New Mexico may see some haze this week due to wildfires in California, according to KRQE News 13 Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud.
Forecast models show that the smoke will begin to arrive in the early hours on Thursday and will thicken as the morning progresses. Silver City and Gallup may see the heaviest smoke around 6 a.m.; however, a majority of the state will see a thin layer of haze come Noon.
The smoke could linger in New Mexico and neighboring Colorado until Friday morning, according to the forecast. On Wednesday, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona, had noticeably hazy skies due to the wildfire smoke.
The smoke is traveling east from Southern California, near Los Angeles County. The area is currently experiencing three wildfires known as the Bridge Fire, Line Fire, and Airport Fire.
Wildfire smoke health impacts and safety tips
Children, older adults, and people with existing heart and lung conditions are at higher risk for smoke-related health problems. But, even healthy people are advised to limit smoke exposure. Wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause immediate effects as well as chronic health problems with repeated exposure. Impacts include:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation – Stinging eyes, runny nose, coughing, and sore throat.
Wheezing and chest tightness – Smoke can induce wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Asthma complications – Wildfire smoke can worsen asthma symptoms by irritating airways.
Increased risk of lung disease – Long-term smoke exposure may raise the chances of developing COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
Heart problems – Smoke may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke.
Tips to protect yourself on smoky days:
Limit time outdoors, and while inside, keep windows and doors closed.
Avoid using swamp coolers when possible.
Set home air conditioning units to recirculate during fire events to deter smoke from entering the house.
Stop the use of all fragrances such as spray air fresheners, candles, wax melts, and chemically scented household products.
Don’t use a vacuum cleaner during a smoke event because it can stir up particles already inside your home.
Try an air purifier.
For more tips, click here.