The National Weather Service has sounded the alarm on Sunday evening, issuing a poor air quality warning for parts of two states as ozone levels spike. The alert, effective through Monday, targets specific areas in California and Arizona where breathing could become a serious health risk.
Where the Warning Hits Hardest
Residents in California's Imperial Valley and the Phoenix metro area in Arizona are urged to stay vigilant. The warning highlights that ozone air pollution can trigger trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and even long-term lung damage. While everyone should be cautious, the agency stresses that sensitive groups—including those with lung disease, older adults, pregnant individuals, children, and people who spend extended time outdoors—face the greatest risk.
This comes on the heels of other weather alerts across the country, such as the tornado warning issued for Texas as severe storms threaten Sunday night, showing that spring weather is keeping forecasters busy.
How to Protect Yourself
Officials recommend a series of steps to keep indoor air clean and safe. Keep windows and doors shut tight, run your air conditioner or an air purifier, and avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that pull in outdoor air. Additionally, steer clear of indoor pollution sources like fireplaces, candles, incense, and grilling.
For those who must venture out, mass commuting is discouraged. The warning advises residents to carpool, telecommute, or use mass transit if possible. If you need to operate gasoline-powered equipment, try to do it late in the day when ozone levels may be lower.
This air quality concern echoes recent weather extremes, such as the scorcher alert for two states as temps near 110°F, and the Mother's Day storm threat for five southern states.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
The National Weather Service urges everyone in the affected zones to monitor local air quality indices and limit outdoor exertion. With ozone levels expected to remain high into Monday, it's crucial to plan ahead and prioritize health. For those in the Imperial Valley and Phoenix metro area, tonight is not the night for a jog or a barbecue—stay inside, keep the air clean, and breathe easy.
For more updates on weather warnings and safety tips, check out our coverage on the deadly storm system unleashing tornadoes and flooding across southern states.
