California wildfire smoke forecast

The map shows NOAA HRRR-Smoke near-surface PM2.5 for the next 48 hours, updated hourly, with active fire perimeters from NIFC and live AQI from EPA AirNow monitors. It opens over Los Angeles. Search any town or use the buttons above.

The Central Valley (Sacramento, Fresno, Redding) traps smoke under strong, persistent inversions that can hold PM2.5 for days. Coastal cities depend on onshore flow to clear, and Southern California adds wind-driven fire smoke during Santa Ana events.

Use the layer toggle to compare NOAA HRRR-Smoke with the ECCC FireWork model. When the two disagree, treat the higher reading as the cautious call.

Near-surface is the product that maps to what you breathe and to AQI, not the high-altitude column that only tints the sunset.