California begins the morning under calm skies, but the air over Los Angeles feels thick and unmoving. Haze clings to neighborhoods, and exhaust lingers longer than usual as the basin traps pollution close to the ground.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect today across much of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. A mandatory wood-burning ban is active through late tonight. Fireplaces, wood stoves, and manufactured fire logs are prohibited, both indoors and outdoors, due to unhealthy particulate levels.
This alert impacts coastal communities, downtown Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, and parts of Orange County. Calm winds and a persistent inversion are preventing smoke and pollution from dispersing. People with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions may experience worsening symptoms.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity during peak pollution hours. Keep windows closed, run air purifiers if available, and avoid adding smoke to the air. Even short-term exposure can irritate lungs and trigger breathing issues.
Temperatures remain mild for December. Los Angeles warms into the low 70s today, with sunshine breaking through patchy morning fog. Monday and Tuesday trend warmer, with highs pushing into the mid-70s. While pleasant, the warmth does little to improve air circulation.
Changes arrive midweek. Clouds increase Tuesday night, followed by rain chances Wednesday. That system may finally help clear the air but introduces new concerns. Wet roads during evening hours could turn slick in cooler inland spots, especially during early morning drives.
As Christmas travel and holiday gatherings ramp up, air quality and road conditions both demand attention. Residents should stay flexible and plan indoor alternatives when pollution spikes.
5-Day Outlook for Los Angeles, CA
• Today: Patchy fog early, then sunny. High near 71°. Air Quality Alert.
• Monday: Sunny. High near 76°.
• Tuesday: Sunny. High near 76°.
• Wednesday: Slight chance of rain. High near 74°.
• Thursday: Sunny and warmer. High near 80°.
