PHOENIX — If you looked up to the skies Sunday morning, you likely noticed the pinkish-red glow of the sun.
Many ABC15 viewers sent photos and video of the strangely colored sun over the Valley, wondering why it looked that way.
It's due to heavy smoke from the Apple Fire burning in southern California.
According to the National Weather Service Flagstaff, "a large portion of western Arizona is covered with a layer of smoke from the Apple Fire (California). This smoke extends from The Sea of Cortez, Lake Havasu, Phoenix, and Payson." The smoke may also cause an orange tint to the light during the day.
The Apple Fire, according to CNN, has burned about 12,000 acres east of Los Angeles, as of Sunday morning. Thousands of residents have been evacuated.
Clouds or smoke? A large portion of western Arizona is covered with a layer of smoke from the Apple Fire (California). This smoke extends from The Sea of Cortez, Lake Havasu, Phoenix, and Payson. #azwx pic.twitter.com/QKBHQeXODE
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) August 2, 2020
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality says air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups Sunday. It is expected to improve slightly to "moderate" for Monday and Tuesday.
ABC15 meteorologists say the haze and smoke over the Valley helped keep temperatures below 110 degrees on Sunday, and it could happen again Monday.
The smoke is expected to linger for the next few days, which could contribute to more days with reddish suns and moons, as well as haze in the skies.
