Valley Air District warns about pollution level from warm weather and stagnant air

The Valley Air District is warning residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity as a high-pressure weather system traps pollution in the area and causes temperatures to rise.

“Unfortunately, these stagnant conditions may cause high concentrations of particulate pollution in our region,” said Jon Klassen, the district’s air quality analysis manager. “While these conditions bring about pleasant unseasonably warm temperatures, it is best to avoid heavy outdoor activities during periods of elevated particulate matter concentrations.”

The weather system, off the California coast, is limiting airflow throughout the San Joaquin Valley, according to a news release from the air district.

Air quality in Madera county on Thursday was moderate. Air quality in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties was unhealthy for sensitive groups.

District officials advise people to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities “until conditions improve.” Burning was restricted in all Valley counties.

“After decades of investment and sacrifice by Valley businesses and residents, emissions have been reduced by more than 80 percent and are at historically low levels,” the news release said. “However, these stagnant conditions that the Valley is facing due to extraordinary weather conditions can still lead to elevated particulate matter concentrations. Particulate pollution is harmful and has been correlated with asthma attacks, bronchial infections, heart attacks and stroke.”

For more information about the air district, call a regional office in Fresno at 559-230-6000, Modesto at 209-557-6400 or Bakersfield at 661-392-5500.

This story was originally published January 31, 2018 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Valley Air District warns about pollution level from warm weather and stagnant air."