Southern California Faces Smoggiest Start to Year in Over a Decade Due to Early Heat Waves
Southern California has experienced its smoggiest first five months of the year in over a decade, with 39 days of unhealthful air quality due to high ozone levels. The South Coast air basin, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, has been significantly affected. The South Coast Air Quality Management District attributes the high ozone levels to early heat waves, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s to high 90s, breaking several daily records. March was particularly warm, with Riverside experiencing 13 days above 90 degrees. The region's millions of gas-powered vehicles contribute to smog formation, exacerbated by the area's sunshine and geographical features that trap pollution. 
