Nor Cal Fires Dump Ash, Smoke in Rogue Valley

The National Weather Service reported this morning that surface-level winds blowing north over wildfires in Northern California is sending ash into Southern Oregon.

Numerous residents in the Rogue Valley -- from Ashland to Grants Pass -- have reported ash falling from the sky this morning. Ash has also accumulated enough in some spots to become visible on cars.

Though it appears very smoky in Medford today, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports on its Air Quality Index that Medford is in the "good" range, with an AQI of 31 at 11 a.m. Shady Cove's AQI was 71, putting it in the "moderate" range. An AQI of 101 and above enters the "unhealthy" category.

The phenomenon should be short-lived as rains move into the area today and this weekend.