Unhealthful Levels of Ozone Forecast

Pollution forecasters are urging young people and senior citizens in Simi Valley to stay indoors this afternoon, as ozone levels are expected to surpass federal air quality standards for the second time this week.

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has predicted an ozone level in Simi Valley of 110, 10 points above the unhealthful threshold.

Wednesday’s level was 97, just below the federal standard for unhealthful air quality.

“Our atmosphere is getting thicker and the air will be more stagnant (today),” district meteorologist Kent Field said. “I expect (ozone levels) to increase again, which would put it into the unhealthful category.”

Simi Valley typically bears the brunt of Los Angeles- and Ventura-generated pollution because it is between the coastal plain and the San Fernando Valley, Field said.

Temperatures in the high 90s are forecast for inland areas, while the coastal area will reach into the low 70s, Field said.

The higher-than-usual pollution levels are due to high-pressure systems covering much of the southern United States and trapping the ozone closer to the ground, he said.

Officials recommend that senior citizens and children in Simi Valley stay indoors, especially during the peak ozone hours between noon and 4 p.m. today.

“People that have to be outside should try to minimize actions and stay away from congested areas if possible,” Field said.