Smoke from California wildfires obscures the morning sun in Henderson Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
Published Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 | 9:58 a.m.
Updated Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 | 12:32 p.m.
Officials are urging Southern Nevadans to limit outdoor activity today as the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability has issued an alert for smoke and ozone due to wildfire smoke drifting in from neighboring California.
“Unfortunately, this is expected to continue through today and Sunday," the National Weather Service 's Las Vegas office said Saturday.
The unhealthy levels of smoke is “made of small dust particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation,” officials said in the advisory.
Ozone can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath even in healthy people, the department said.
Residents most sensitive to the conditions include: those with respiratory problems, cardiac disease, young children or senior citizens, officials said.
They urge to staying inside when you smell or see smoke, which as of 10 a.m. is highly visible in all parts of the Las Vegas valley. Additionally, they advise against outdoor exercise such as jogging or biking.
They also advise to keep windows and doors closed, and to run your air conditioner inside your house and car because that helps filter out smoke and particles. Also, change your air filters if they become dirty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
