Below are resources to find out the current air quality conditions, to help you better understand how to protect yourself during unhealthy air quality conditions, and more.
In the Bay Area, a certain amount of air pollution comes from industrial sources, such as refineries and power plants. But a greater percentage of harmful air emissions comes from cars and trucks, construction equipment, and other motor vehicles. In the wintertime, the largest single source of air pollution is residential wood burning.
Spare the Air Learn about the Spare the Air Program, how the seasons affect air quality, and how to find out whether a Spare the Air Alert is in effect.
Wood Smoke Pollution Learn how the Air District is reducing wood smoke pollution in the Bay Area through Winter Spare the Air Alerts and restrictions on wood burning, and find out how you can help at home.
Types of Pollution
In order to protect public health, the U.S. EPA and the state of California have created air quality standards for pollutants that are commonly present in the air we breathe.
In the Bay Area, the common pollutants of greatest concern are ozone and fine particulate matter. Ozone is the main ingredient in summertime smog, and fine particulate matter - which is made up of an assortment of extremely small airborne particles, or mixtures of solid particles and liquid droplets - is primarily a problem in the wintertime.
The state of California has also identified a category of air pollutants called toxic air contaminants. These are generally present in very small amounts in the air, but are extremely hazardous to human health. In the Bay Area, the toxic air contaminant of greatest overall concern is exhaust from diesel engines.
A potentially strong "atmospheric river" will impact the region between Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17 bringing prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain along with gusty winds. The brunt of the storm is forecast to occur between Tuesday through Wednesday. Impacts from the heavy rains may include rapid ponding of water and flooding...
The Excessive Heat Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) has been extended to continue until Thursday. Temperatures in the mid to high 90s are likely, with only some reprieve overnight. In addition, daily Flex Alerts continue to be issued by California ISO. Flex alerts are issued to encourage the conservation of energy in order to reduce the need...
Marin County, including the City of San Rafael, has received an Excessive Heat Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) for this upcoming holiday weekend. While forecasts may continue to change, temperatures in the mid to high 90s are likely. In addition, a Flex Alert was issued by California ISO for Wednesday 8/31. Additional flex...
