First Spare the Air alert for Sacramento extended to Saturday amid California heat wave
Sacramento-area air quality officials issued the first alert of the year just ahead of a major heat wave this weekend.
The alert goes into effect Friday for the Sacramento region, according to Sacramento Region Spare the Air. On Friday morning, air quality officials extended the advisory to Saturday.
A Spare the Air alert is issued when the air quality is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. AQI readings between 100 and 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart and lung conditions.
The forecast for Friday has air quality at 129 AQI, according to Spare the Air. Saturday’s forecast to be 133 AQI.
Tips to reduce air pollution include teleworking, taking transit, driving an electric car, walking or biking. However, with temperatures forecast above 100-degrees this week, residents are also warned to stay indoors.
High levels of air pollution can cause “immediate and severe” health issues like respiratory illness, heart and lung stress and damaged respiratory cells, according to Spare the Air.
On Saturday, the Sacramento region will remain hot and sunny with a mix of light, calm winds. The conditions will keep the ozone levels unhealthy for sensitive groups through Sunday.
This story was originally published June 29, 2023 at 1:24 PM.