Heat wave-caused smog could develop in Eugene, Springfield

Updated at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, with latest information on heat wave temperatures.

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued a smog advisory for Saturday, Aug. 23, in Eugene and Springfield.

A heat wave is expected to worsen ground-level pollution as heat, sun and wind combine. When emissions such as vehicle exhaust react with sun and heat, they form smog and haze.

That produces harmful ground-level ozone, unlike the ozone naturally found in the upper atmosphere. Depending on exposure, it can cause coughing and sore throats and aggravate asthma.

Residents can help reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving and delaying the use of gas-powered equipment over the weekend. Meanwhile, public health officials urge children, older adults, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions to take precautions when they’re outdoors.

Smoke from the Flat Fire in Jefferson County drifted into Lane County on Friday, but it was too high to affect air quality, according to the air agency. If the smoke hangs around, it could block sunlight and reduce ozone formation.

If it settles closer into the valley, however, it could worsen air quality through particle pollution – basically pollution that falls from the sky, such as soot, smoke and dust.

Wildfire smoke has largely factored into the region ranking fourth-worst in the nation for air quality, according to the American Lung Association.

The threat of poor air quality coincides with temperatures in the high 90s expected Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning from Friday through late Tuesday afternoon.

When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, public buildings across Lane County open their doors as cooling spaces. Libraries, community centers and other facilities don’t change their regular hours but allow people to come inside to escape the heat.