Smoke in the Valley From the Long Valley Fire |

With winds blowing from the Long Valley Fire toward the valley, a lot of residents are noticing the smoke in the air.

As of noon Sunday, The Air Quality Index for the Reno-Sparks area has been upgraded to "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." This means people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

KTVN meteorologist Angela Schilling says that the air quality is expected to fluctuate but improve Sunday evening as the winds shift and beginning blowing from the west.

Several viewers have asked about the air quality since smoke seems heavy and ash is visibly falling from the Long Valley Fire. The winds were traveling from the northwest during the day Sunday, pushing smoke from the fire into the region.

For the most recent air quality report, check here.