A Bay Area Spare the Air Alert is scheduled for today with unhealthy levels of smog and very hot temperatures in the forecast. Officials say vehicle exhaust is one of the biggest contributors to ozone pollution. They say working from home or taking public transit are great ways to help Spare the Air. Excessive heat Thursday will send many inland valley locations into the triple digits. That will also push the Air Quality Index above 100, which in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups.
Meanwhile, residents across California including the North Bay are being asked to conserve their power. Officials with the California Independent System Operator issued a Flex Alert for today between 5 and 10 p.m. With the state in a heat wave, officials say that typically puts a strain on the power grid as air conditioners work overtime during peak afternoon hours.