5 Freeway north of LA is under an air quality alert which was reported by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:43 p.m. The alert is in effect until Saturday July 5, at 11 p.m.
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states to be ready for, “The South Coast AQMD has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of fine particle pollution.”
“Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk,” the NWS said.
The full list of affected locations includes:
- 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
- Calabasas/Agoura Hills
- San Fernando Valley
- Eastern San Gabriel Mountains
- Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
- Los Angeles County Beaches
- Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles
- San Gabriel Valley
- Malibu
- Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Santa Susana Mountains
- Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor
- Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
Air quality alerts: Recommendations from the NWS
When an air quality alert is in effect, following the NWS guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips from the NWS for safeguarding your well-being:
Retreat indoors whenever feasible:
If you can, take refuge indoors, especially if you have respiratory concerns, underlying health conditions, or belong to the senior or child demographics.
Minimize outdoor ventures:
When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game.
Mitigate pollution sources:
Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage during air quality alerts.
No open burning:
Refrain from igniting fires with debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. Such practices only contribute to the problem of poor air quality.
Stay well-informed:
Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits during air quality alerts.
Prioritize respiratory health:
If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.
By adhering to the recommendations from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else.
Originally Published: July 3, 2025 at 2:45 PM PDT