California – A gray, hazy layer hangs over parts of Southern California this morning, softening skylines and irritating lungs as commuters step outside. The air feels cool but heavy, and by midday, sunshine will mix with trapped pollution, keeping health officials on edge across the Los Angeles Basin.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, a mandatory wood-burning ban remains in effect today due to elevated fine particle pollution. The alert covers much of Los Angeles and Orange counties, including downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, and inland communities. Officials warn smoke particles can sink deep into the lungs, worsening asthma and heart conditions and increasing emergency room visits.
For daily life, that means no indoor or outdoor fireplaces, wood stoves, or fire pits today, even during the cooler morning hours. Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows closed during peak pollution periods, and run air conditioning or air purifiers if available. To be fair, the sunshine will feel inviting, but the air quality may deteriorate as the day warms.
Weather conditions turn increasingly summerlike as the week unfolds. Highs climb from the upper 70s today into the mid-80s Tuesday, then push near 90 degrees by Wednesday in parts of downtown and East L.A. Nights stay mild and mostly clear, allowing pollution to linger. By late week, temperatures ease slightly but remain well above early February averages, carrying that warmth into the Feb 6–8 weekend.
Drivers should expect dry roads, but reduced visibility is possible during hazy afternoons. Meteorologists are watching for gradual improvement in air quality once onshore flow strengthens later in the week.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Los Angeles, California
Today: Mostly sunny, high near 76, light afternoon breeze.
Tuesday: Sunny and warmer, high near 84.
Wednesday: Hot and sunny, highs approaching 90.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 88.
Friday: Partly sunny, high near 75.
