LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Under a calm, hazy sky, Southern California faces an Air Quality Alert that will remain in effect through midnight tonight, as stagnant conditions trap fine particulates across the South Coast Air Basin.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a mandatory wood-burning ban for Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties. Residents are prohibited from burning wood, pellets, or manufactured fire logs in both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The alert, effective from midnight to midnight Tuesday, aims to reduce particulate pollution as light winds and temperature inversions choke off ventilation across the basin.
Air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, Inland Empire, and Santa Clarita areas. Fine particles from smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and aggravate asthma or heart conditions, health officials warn.
Residents should avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers or air conditioning on recirculate if possible. Those who rely on wood for heat and low-income households without gas service are exempt from the ban.
Weatherwise, Los Angeles enjoys mostly sunny skies with highs near 68°F, followed by a calm, clear stretch into the weekend. However, continued stagnant air and minimal wind may prompt extended air quality alerts through midweek if pollution levels fail to improve.
Five-Day Local Outlook:
- Today: Sunny, high near 68°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 67°F.
- Thursday: Clear, high 69°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high 69°F.
- Saturday: Warm and bright, high 70°F.
