High Heat Brings Spare The Air Day

San Rafael is expected to reach into the low 90s today, causing the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue its first smog alert of this summer through its Spare the Air program. Air quality today is expected to be unhealthy across the Bay Area, according to the Air District.

Air quality has been healthy most of the summer because of the unseasonably cool weather, Air District Executive Officer Jack Broadbent stated in a release. Weather today in the Bay Area is expected to be sunny with highs on the coast in the 70s to 80s and inland in the upper 80s to near 100.

Residents are encouraged to drive less and reduce their energy use. There is no free transit and no wood-burning ban in place, Air District officials said.

The Air District also recommends cooking inside ­-- not outside on the grill -- and to avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairspray.

The Air District issues Spare the Air advisories to warn people of unhealthy levels of smog, which can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain. High levels of ozone pollution are particularly harmful for young children, seniors and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

San Rafael may reach 95 degrees tomorrow as temperatures rise throughout the Bay Area. This prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Heat Watch for Tuesday afternoon.

The service's heat watch is specifically targeted at elderly, infirmed, or very young people who may be far more sensitive to heat. These people are further advised to drink a lot of water, stay in cool locations during the daytime, and have people check up on them regularly.

The weather service also stressed the importance of not leaving children or pets inside cars during hot conditions like those expected this week.

Information from Bay City News Service.