May 24, 2026 8:36 PM

If you Notice Smokey Skies this Morning in the Mountains and High Desert, it’s Wildfire Smoke near Santa Maria

VICTOR VALLEY, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Gifford Fire continue to burn portions of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties that started three days ago. This is creating smokey and hazy skies as well as unhealthy air quality across parts of the high desert cities.

The most impacted locations in terms of air quality are in parts of the Barstow area, and into parts of the Victor Valley area as widespread air quality alerts have been issued.

As of Sunday morning, air quality stations by the AQI Air Quality Index reported moderate air quality, with stations in Barstow and the Las Vegas area reporting stronger moderate air quality. Current smoke forecasts show smoke drifting into the area by Sunday evening into early Monday.

So, if you notice hazy smokey skies today it’s because of the wildfire smoke overhead.

If you have respiratory issues or sensitivity to poor air quality it’s best to keep an eye on the air quality, and limit exposure to the outdoors when unhealthy air quality is present.

Things that can help when you’re out and about with poor air quality is to re-circulate the air in your car, or at home re-circulate the air at your home.  Other tips are staying up to date on air quality conditions, avoiding strenuous activities, keeping windows closed, or using an air purifier.

The smoke is drifting from the 39,600+ acre Gifford Fire continue to burn in the portion of the Los Padres National Forest that’s in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

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Cajon Pass
8:36 pm, May 24, 2026
temperature icon 64°F
clear sky
Humidity: 48 %
Pressure: 1013 mb
Wind: 17 mph
Wind Gust: 23 mph
Clouds: 4%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:41 am
Sunset: 7:51 pm
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