Los Angeles, CA – The haze over the city thickens this morning, turning the skyline into a muted blur beneath a bright December sun. Though skies look clear, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a mandatory no-burn order for all of Los Angeles County, effective until midnight tonight.
Officials say stagnant air and rising fine particle pollution have pushed conditions into unhealthy territory across the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and portions of San Bernardino Counties. The No-Burn Day prohibits the use of wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor fire pits to reduce particulate buildup.
Homes at higher elevations (above 3,000 feet) and those in desert areas are exempt, but residents in the metro basin — from Santa Monica to Pasadena and down through Long Beach — are asked to comply to prevent worsening smog and respiratory stress. Health experts caution that fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs, triggering asthma attacks, breathing issues, and increased emergency visits, especially among seniors and children.
Sunny, mild weather continues through early next week, with highs reaching 77°F Monday and near 80°F by midweek, adding to stagnant air concerns. Coastal breezes could bring minor improvement late Sunday, but another round of elevated particulate levels is possible midweek if offshore flow strengthens.
Five-Day Outlook (Los Angeles, CA)
Sunday: Sunny, high 73°F, low 52°F.
Monday: Sunny, high 77°F, low 55°F.
Tuesday: Mostly clear, high 81°F, low 55°F.
Wednesday: Sunny, high 81°F, low 54°F.
Thursday: High 79°F, mostly sunny.
