Currently in San Francisco — September 20, 2023: Will Wednesday's air be clearer?

The weather, currently.

So much for predictability. Poor air quality unexpectedly impacted San Franciscans on Tuesday, with the air quality index (AQI) climbing over 100 midday, the unhealthy so-called orange zone. The stinky, hazy skies are due to smoke from fires in Oregon and far northern California, which may continue to impact our regional air quality, depending on the wind patterns.

Right now, Wednesday’s forecast is sunny and mid-60s highs, with overnight lows in the mid-50s. But if you aren’t already, keep your N95 respirators handy and your air filtration systems running, and keep an eye on any air quality maps or apps you prefer.

— Britta Shoot

What you need to know, currently.

There was a spectacular display of northern lights — aurora borealis — on Tuesday, caused by a direct hit from particles sent Earthward from a solar explosion.

We’re in the middle of a multi-year peak of activity on the sun, so northern lights should be more common than in previous years. And the best time to see them is during the fall and winter, when the temperatures aren’t yet too cold, and the nights are getting nice and long.

One of my favorite websites, spaceweather.com, will keep you up-to-date on upcoming chances to see the aurora.

— Eric Holthaus

What you can do, currently.

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