Bad Air Quality Looms Over SoCal As 65K-Acre Wildfire Rages

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Many Southern Californians woke up under hazy skies in many areas, not because of a pesky marine layer that hung on throughout July, but because of a massive wildfire burning on the Central Coast.

Smoke from the Gifford fire, which has scorched more than 65,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County, is impacting the air quality miles away.

The National Weather Service noted "widespread haze" and "areas of smoke" in areas like Temecula for its Monday and Tuesday forecasts.

The news comes as a significant heat wave is expected to arrive midweek and last through Friday.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District is predicting air pollution levels from "moderate" for coastal areas and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy" in the inland areas.

"Wildfires can often cause very high air pollution levels that are harmful to your health. Protect your health by taking steps before, during, and after a wildfire to reduce how much pollution you are breathing," AQMD officials wrote.

The air quality will be impacted the most in the San Bernardino Valley and mountains.
The air quality is forecast to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in these areas:

• Corona
• Metropolitan Riverside County
• Perris Valley
• Banning
• Coachella Valley
• Victorville
• Hesperia
• Yucca Valley
• San Gabriel Valley/Mountains
• Pomona
• Santa Clarita Valley
• Antelope Valley

The air quality is forecast to be "moderate" in these areas:

• Los Angeles County
• San Fernando Valley
• South San Gabriel Valley
• Orange County
• Lake Elsinore Area
• Temecula Valley
• Anza
• Trona
• Twentynine Palms

Air quality officials are urging Southlanders in impacted areas to be mindful of the air quality this week by taking precautions like remaining indoors, avoiding vigorous physical activity, running the air conditioning, using a HEPA air cleaner and more.

"Avoid using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces," AQMD officials said. "Avoid combustion sources inside the home such as candles and incense that could further degrade indoor air quality."

Things are about to heat up considerably in Southern California this week, following a relatively tepid start to summer, weather officials warn.

"Temperatures will hover around normal through Tuesday, then warm up sharply Wednesday and Thursday to around 10 degrees above normal, especially inland of the coast," the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion on Monday. "Limited low clouds and fog are likely through Thursday; however, smoke from the Gifford fire may cause some air quality issues at times. Gusty Sundowner and I-5 winds to continue through tonight."

Southern Californians will experience a brief reprieve on Monday and Tuesday before temperatures rise, with forecasters predicting a three- to six-degree cooler trend.

Temperatures will be elevated Wednesday through Friday, with the hottest day anticipated on Thursday, the NWS said.

"Most areas will end up five to ten degrees above normal," forecasters wrote. "Two exceptions will be the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley and Calabasas area, where max temps will be 10 to 12 degrees above normal."

However, the deserts will "sizzle," with the heat reaching 105 to 107 degrees.

In many parts of Riverside County, the weather service says an "extreme heat warning" will be in effect from Wednesday through Friday, with temperatures expected to push into triple digits across the region.

READ MORE: SoCal Braces For Heatwave, Bad Air Quality This Week