Heat Wave in Valley Brings Warning of Unhealthy Air

By Mark Grossi, The Fresno Bee, Calif.

Jun. 23–The first heat wave of summer is turning the San Joaquin Valley’s air stagnant and dangerous for people with sensitive lungs.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high of 106 degrees today and 108 for both Saturday and Sunday. The high temperature Thursday was 105.

Meteorologists said a high-pressure system prevents cleansing breezes from moving pollution out of the Valley.

“The trapped emissions are gradually building up,” said meteorologist Gary Arcemont of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “It’s going to continue being unhealthy.”

People with lung problems should limit outdoor exposure in the afternoon today and Saturday, according to the air district.

Officials called a “Spare the Air” day for today and Saturday, asking residents to cut down on smog-producing activities such as yard work with gasoline-powered tools.

Ozone, the corrosive main ingredient in smog, spikes in heat and sunshine. It forms as emissions from cars and other sources bake in the sun. Ozone can trigger asthma attacks and other lung problems.

Early morning readings are generally much lower, and that’s when people should schedule outdoor activities, officials said.

Through Wednesday, the Valley had recorded 14 violations of the health standard for ozone. Over the same time period last year, there were only eight violations.

Ozone readings were well below violation levels last week when the high temperatures were in the 80s. But by Wednesday, nine of the Valley’s 22 monitors showed violations, according to state figures.

Saturday’s predicted 108 would fall two degrees short of the record high temperature for that day, which was set in 1929. The overnight low is predicted to be in the mid-70s.

The reporter can be reached at mgrossi@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6316.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Fresno Bee, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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