San Gabriel Mountains as seen from Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
Residents across the San Gabriel Valley and parts of Los Angeles County are being urged to prepare for dangerous heat and poor air quality as weather and pollution alerts remain in effect through next week.
By News Desk
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening, warning that temperatures could climb to 100 degrees in portions of the San Gabriel Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley. Forecasters expect the hottest conditions on Wednesday and Thursday.
Communities under the heat watch include Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, El Monte, San Gabriel, Pomona, East Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Sunland, Acton, and surrounding mountain communities, including Mount Wilson and Mount Baldy.
Officials warn that prolonged heat could significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly among young children, older adults, people without access to air conditioning, and those who work or exercise outdoors.
Health officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, limiting sun exposure, and checking on relatives, neighbors, and other vulnerable community members during the heat event.
The heat concerns come as portions of the San Gabriel Valley continue to experience unhealthy air quality. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended an Air Quality Alert for Pasadena, San Gabriel, and Pomona because of elevated levels of fine particle pollution.
The alert remains in effect until 1:00 pm Saturday, June 20.
According to air quality officials, fine particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to serious health problems, including asthma attacks, bronchitis, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular complications. Those at greatest risk include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant individuals, children, and anyone who spends extended periods outdoors.
Air quality conditions can fluctuate throughout the day depending on weather patterns and local emissions. Officials encourage residents to monitor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and adjust outdoor activities as needed.
To reduce exposure during periods of poor air quality, residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning or air purifiers when available, and avoid activities that generate additional indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using fireplaces, grilling, or operating gasoline-powered lawn equipment.
The combination of extreme heat and degraded air quality is expected to create additional challenges across the Greater Pasadena area and the broader San Gabriel Valley, prompting officials to urge caution and preparedness as the region moves into the middle of next week.
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