Southern California’s air quality is awful right now: Here’s why

Millions of Southern California residents are breathing unhealthy air due to a large wildfire in the Central Coast area.

As of Monday morning, the Gifford Fire had scorched more than 65,000 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties with only limited containment.

Smoke from the fire has extended south and east, covering the entire Los Angeles metropolitan area, Orange County and San Diego.

Dozens of monitors connected to the Purple Air network showed particulate matter pollution measurements in the mid to high double digits – and even into the triple digits- on Monday.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which covers a wide swath of the region, forecasts air pollution levels ranging from “moderate” for coastal areas, with air in the inland valleys and mountains listed as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” for everyone.

“Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with heart diseases or lung diseases (such as asthma) may be especially sensitive to health risks from wildfire smoke,” the district warns.

Experts recommend SoCal residents limit or avoid vigorous outdoor activity, and run air conditioners with a clean filter.