Los Angeles residents are waking up to a dense fog advisory today, with visibility dropping to less than a quarter mile in some areas. According to the National Weather Service, Los Angeles/Oxnard, CA, the advisory is in effect until 9 AM PST this morning, specifically for Los Angeles County Beaches and Los Angeles County Inland Coast, including Downtown Los Angeles. "Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous," the service warns. Motorists are advised to slow down, use headlights, and maintain a generous following distance.
In conjunction with the fog, a mandatory wood-burning ban is in place for the day due to poor air quality. The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert, as reported by the National Weather Service. The ban, which prohibits burning wood, pellets, and manufactured fire logs in any indoor or outdoor wood-burning devices, spans across Orange County and non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. "Particles in smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems," the alert states. Exemptions to the ban include homes over 3,000 feet in elevation, the Coachella Valley, the High Desert, households with no alternative heating, and low-income households.
The weather for today in Los Angeles is expected to be sunny with a high near 71, turning to increasing clouds tonight with a low around 50, as outlined by the National Weather Service. Conditions for the weekend suggest patchy fog will continue to be a factor in the mornings, but afternoons should clear up with highs around 70.
Health officials encourage residents to check current and forecasted air quality levels at www.aqmd.gov or via the mobile app. In the face of poor air quality, limiting outdoor activity and staying indoors with closed windows and doors is recommended. Utilizing air conditioning or an air purifier without bringing outside air into the premises can help mitigate the risks associated with low-quality air.
