Weather
On September 9, 2020, Richmond residents experienced an unforgettable and unsettling sight: the sky turned a deep, fiery orange. This phenomenon, which came to be known as "Orange Skies Day," was caused by smoke from the North Complex Fire and over 20 other wildfires burning more than 2 million acres east of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The smoke scattered blue light wavelengths – a phenomenon where smoke particles redirect shorter, high-energy blue light, allowing only warmer colors to reach the Earth's surface – casting an eerie glow over the region.
In Richmond, the orange hue blanketed the city, prompting residents to share photos and videos of the surreal skies on social media. The unusual light persisted throughout the day, leaving many with both a sense of unease and awe. Air quality was deemed hazardous, and officials urged residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors.
The event served as a stark reminder of the growing threat of wildfires in California, exacerbated by climate change. Public officials, including former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom, attributed the event to climate change, emphasizing the need for action to address the crisis.
Five years later, the memory of Orange Skies Day remains vivid for many in Richmond, and the event continues to symbolize the challenges the region faces as it grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.
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