Air Quality Alert
Issued by NWS Phoenix, AZ

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939
AEUS75 KPSR 181748
AQAPSR

Air Quality Alert Message
Relayed by National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1048 AM MST Tue Aug 18 2026

CAZ567-190300-
Imperial Valley-
Including the cities of El Centro, Calexico, Alamorio, and Brawley
1048 AM PDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR HARMFUL LEVELS OF OZONE (SMOG) AIR
POLLUTION...

* WHAT...The Imperial County APCD has issued an air quality alert
due to harmful levels of ozone pollution.
Visit https://www.aqmd.gov/alertinfo to check current and forecasted
air quality levels.

* WHERE...the Imperial Valley. Levels of ozone pollution can vary by
time and location depending on emissions and air pollution
transport.

* WHEN...Tuesday, August 18, 2026 until 8:00 PM. The highest ozone
levels typically occur in the afternoon and early-evening hours.

* IMPACTS... Ozone air pollution can cause serious health problems,
including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage.
Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with
lung disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and
those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed:

* When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified
above should limit extended or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health
impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors.
* When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should
avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should
avoid extended or intense outdoor activity.
* When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all
outdoor physical activity.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor:

* Keep windows and doors closed
* Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
* Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in
outside air if you have other methods to stay cool
* Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles,
incense, and grilling

To help minimize outdoor ozone air pollution levels:

* Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment
until evening hours
* Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household
chemicals until the evening

$$