EXPLAINER: Why is the sky orange this AM in the Bay Area?

You'll have guessed it was #wildfire smoke. The bulk of it, says @ggweather, is coming from the north, via light NW winds aloft. Some of that smoke is coming from way up in #Oregon.

But why so ORANGE?

( @RadioBWatt)

The sky is orange this morning, says @ggweather, because of the upper level density of all that #wildfire smoke.

The smoke filters out different levels of light from sun — and it's filtering out everything BUT those oranges and yellows.

( @teacupinthebay)

This is the reason it kinda looks like a weird sunset right now. It's the same filtering of the light that happens when the sun gets low and sets, says @ggweather.

And if you're wondering why it's so DARK? The thickness of smoke is filtering out MORE light

( @kqedangela)

Something many want to know: why can't you take a accurate photo of how today's orange sky looks to your eyes?

It's the camera's white balance, says @ggweather!

Play around with the settings, and set it to "Cloudy Day" if possible. That will help. https://twitter.com/LinaBlanco/status/1303709004418306049

So, does today's orange sky in the Bay Area mean the air quality is terrible?

NO, says @ggweather. It's not bad today at all, and outdoor activities aren't prohibited.

Bookmark our our Bay Area air quality map: https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area

How much longer will the sky be orange / yellow?

We're looking at a couple more days at least, says @ggweather — until the #wildfires causing the smoke are contained. Or we get a sea breeze.

So, expect to wake up to Tatooine/Blade Runner 2049 vibes tomorrow.

( @StarkKev)