California’s winter shift feels subtle at first, but this morning’s gray sky and hazy air across Southern California signal change. Smoke hangs low over neighborhoods, the air smells stale, and visibility feels muted. While temperatures stay mild for now, conditions are already affecting daily routines and setting the tone for a busy Christmas travel week.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, a mandatory wood-burning ban remains in effect across the South Coast Air Basin, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, and inland valleys. Fine particle pollution is expected to stay elevated through today and into Sunday, increasing health risks for children, seniors, and those with asthma or heart conditions.
Across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach, and the San Fernando Valley, residents are urged to keep windows closed, limit outdoor activity, and avoid using fireplaces or fire pits. Drivers may notice reduced visibility during the morning and evening commute, especially near basin and valley floors where pollution settles fastest.
Cloud cover holds firm into Sunday, keeping afternoons cooler but still comfortable. Attention then shifts to early Monday, when a Pacific system brings a growing chance of showers. Wet pavement could develop during peak travel hours, especially along I-5, US-101, and surface streets leading toward LAX. While snow is not expected locally, this warm-to-wet transition is an early winter signal as December moves deeper.
Looking ahead, rain chances increase again midweek, lining up with Christmas travel. Conditions may turn slick quickly after sunset, so plan extra time, check tire tread, and stay alert for changing road conditions.
Traveling this week or noticing air quality issues in your neighborhood? Let us know what you’re seeing.
Five Day Outlook for Los Angeles, California
- Today: Cloudy early, gradual clearing; high near 70
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny; high near 69
- Monday: Mostly cloudy; showers possible; high near 70
- Tuesday: Cloudy with showers likely; high near 67
- Wednesday: Periods of rain, locally steady; high near 63
