Air Quality Alerts Issued for Southern California Through Thursday

Air quality alerts are in place across large parts of southern California through Thursday. The alerts cover wildfire smoke and elevated ozone pollution that have pushed conditions into unhealthy ranges. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for the Greater Los Angeles region, including the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains, and the Inland Empire.

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A separate alert for ground-level ozone covers the Imperial Valley, including El Centro, Calexico, and Brawley. The ozone alert runs from late Thursday morning through the evening. The National Weather Service stated that ozone levels tend to peak in the afternoon and early evening. Smoke conditions can change quickly depending on fire behavior and wind patterns.

The National Weather Service advises residents in affected areas to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. People should use air filters or purifiers, reduce intense outdoor activity, and limit vehicle emissions by carpooling or using public transit.

5 particles can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Ozone irritates airways and can worsen asthma and other lung conditions. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease face higher risks.