AQI Alerts for Merced, CA

# HEADLINE -------------------- The Valley Air District has issued an Air Quality Alert for Merced County from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning due to smoke from a local fire # SUMMARY -------------------- Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems; aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis and increase risk of respiratory infections. In people with heart disease, short-term exposure to particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Children and elderly people are also more susceptible to consequences of high particulate levels. Stay indoors if possible. Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities to reduce the affect of unhealthy air. For current air quality go to fire.airnow.gov # DETAILS -------------------- ISSUED AT Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:08 AM PDT ISSUED BY Relayed by National Weather Service Hanford CA HEADER Air Quality Alert Message # AREAS AFFECTED -------------------- Merced