Forecast Calls For Unhealthy Air Quality In Santa Cruz All Week

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — As wildfire smoke continues to permeate the Santa Cruz County area, forecasts for the week ahead call for continuous days of unhealthy air.

As of late Tuesday morning, the region's air quality index was 158 with particulates that threaten people with preexisting conditions like heart and lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers.

The area is forecast to remain in the red, or unhealthy, zone through Saturday at the earliest.

According to the U.S. Air Quality Index website, a low pressure area around Santa Cruz will keep the marine layer and residual smoke close to the ground.

While onshore breezes could help air quality some, the U.S. AQI warns layers of smoke will continue until a weather shift arrives in the next several days.

Although smoke poses a risk to some, ozone and particulate material will remain in the "good" category.

While air quality remains unhealthy, residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, stay inside when possible and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that cannot be moved indoors.

Real time air quality updates in Santa Cruz County are available here.