AQI Alerts for El Centro, CA

# HEADLINE -------------------- AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR HARMFUL LEVELS OF OZONE (SMOG) AIR POLLUTION # DETAILS -------------------- 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 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026. 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. ISSUED AT Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:59 AM MST ISSUED BY Relayed by National Weather Service Phoenix AZ HEADER Air Quality Alert Message # 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 # AREAS AFFECTED -------------------- Imperial Valley Including the cities of El Centro, Calexico, Alamorio, and Brawley