Los Angeles, CA – Unhealthy ozone levels are blanketing Southern California this week, prompting an air quality alert through 8 p.m. Thursday for the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and surrounding mountain areas.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, afternoon and early evening hours pose the greatest risk as ozone pollution concentrations spike across the region. The alert covers cities including Riverside, San Bernardino, Anaheim, Pasadena, and Palm Springs—where heat and vehicle emissions combine to create dangerous smog conditions.
Residents, especially children, seniors, pregnant people, and anyone with respiratory issues, are urged to limit outdoor activity. In areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches “Unhealthy” levels (red), sensitive groups should avoid time outside altogether.
Health officials recommend keeping windows closed, using air conditioners with clean filters, and avoiding activities that produce indoor or outdoor smoke. Yard work and trips to gas stations should be postponed until after sundown to reduce ozone production.
This prolonged episode is not uncommon during Southern California’s hot, stagnant summer stretches. Officials say more alerts could follow if conditions don’t improve.
Air quality conditions can be tracked in real time at aqmd.gov.
