Spare the Air, Flex Alert in effect during scorching Bay Area heat wave

Bay Area residents are being asked to stay indoors and reduce their energy consumption amid a state-wide heat wave that is straining California’s energy grid and worsening local air quality.

Officials have extended a Spare the Air alert through Monday as extreme heat combined with vehicle emissions and light winds are expected to create unhealthy levels of smog accumulation.

“An extreme heat wave combined with Labor Day holiday traffic is a recipe for unhealthy smog,” Sharon Landers, interim executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said in a statement. “Help reduce air pollution by taking transit and limiting driving to protect the health of all Bay Area residents.”

On Saturday, air quality reached levels that are unhealthy for sensitive people in Antioch, Concord and San Jose, while regions closer to the coasts are seeing moderate air quality, according to a map of regional air pollution levels.

There is also a statewide Flex Alert in effect, which asks Californians to conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday in order to keep the electricity grid functioning properly and prevent blackouts.

Residents are asked to use major appliances, like ovens and washing machines, prior to a Flex Alert. During the alert, the state is asking Californians to turn the dial on their air conditioners up to at least 78 degrees if their health permits. One way to prevent discomfort is to pre-cool your house by drawing the shades during peak heat hours and setting to the air conditioner to 72 degrees before the Flex Alert period.