Heat Wave To Bring Unhealthy Smog Across Parts Of LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — A multi-day smog event is expected to bring unhealthy air quality to parts of Los Angeles County through Friday as a prolonged heat wave sends temperatures soaring across Southern California, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy category or worse in the Santa Clarita Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Valley through Friday, South Coast AQMD said.

The San Fernando Valley and areas in and around Pasadena could see air quality reach levels considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse each day through Friday evening.

Ozone pollution is expected to be lower in coastal areas.

The poor air quality comes as Southern California faces a lengthy stretch of extreme heat. Temperatures 5 to 10 miles inland could reach 100 to 110 degrees by Tuesday or Wednesday and remain near those levels through Friday or Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Downtown Los Angeles reached 97 degrees Sunday, while temperatures topped 100 degrees in parts of the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys, according to the National Weather Service.

The heat wave is expected to peak Tuesday through Thursday, with unusually warm overnight temperatures offering little relief. Valley lows are expected to remain in the 70s.

South Coast AQMD said air quality will generally worsen after sunrise each day, peak during the mid-afternoon and improve later in the day. Overnight and early morning air quality is expected to remain mostly in the Good to Moderate range across large portions of the region.

During periods of elevated ozone pollution, residents are urged to check local air quality and limit outdoor activity when necessary, particularly if they are in a group sensitive to air pollution.

Officials also recommend delaying the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, trips to gas stations and use of household chemicals until the evening. Residents are also encouraged to conserve electricity.

Current neighborhood air quality conditions are available through South Coast AQMD's mobile app and online AQI map.

South Coast AQMD said it will issue an update if elevated ozone levels are expected to continue beyond Friday.

City News Service contributed to this report.