Millions in California Told To Limit Exercise on New Year's Day

While many are eager to kick off their New Year's resolutions, millions of Californians have been urged to hold off after a warning to limit exercise on New Year's Day.

Why It Matters

It comes amid a cold winter for California, with widespread rain and stormy conditions hitting the state over Christmas.

California also saw record-setting flooding before the holidays after more than a foot of rain fell on parts of northern California, and forecasters issued a first-ever tornado warning for San Francisco, while rough seas tore down part of a wharf in Santa Cruz.

A woman on a run on April 28, 2021, in Munich, Germany. Millions of Californians have been warned against exercise on New Year's Day. Frank Hoermann/AP

What To Know

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned Californians to limit "extended or intense
outdoor activity" on New Year's Day amid high, fine-particle pollution levels.

Due to the high pollution levels, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued the No-Burn rule for Wednesday, prohibiting the use of wood, pellets, and manufactured fire logs in indoor or outdoor devices across the South Coast Air Basin.

"No-Burn Days are needed to protect public health when fine-particle pollution levels are expected to be high," AQMD officials stated.

The ban applies to the South Coast Air Basin, including Orange County and
non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino
Counties.

It excludes mountain communities above 3,000 feet in elevation, the Coachella Valley, and the High Desert, with exemptions for homes that rely on wood for heat or lack a natural-gas service.

Residents are warned that particles in smoke "can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems," including respiratory issues and increased hospital visits. To minimize exposure, officials recommended avoiding prolonged outdoor exercise, keeping windows and doors closed, and using air purifiers or air conditioners.

Residents in Maricopa and Santa Cruz Counties in Arizona have also been warned against exercising on New Year's Day amid high levels of fine particulate matter, also known as PM-2.5, in the air.

PM-2.5 is an air contaminant that can aggravate heart and lung disease conditions, especially in older adults, children, and those with asthma.

"A decrease in physical activity is recommended," the NWS said on its website. "Consolidate your travel, reduce or eliminate fireplace use, and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment."

What People Are Saying

The NWS wrote on its official website: "When air quality is poor in your area, limit extended or intense outdoor activity and remain inside with windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier and avoid using devices that bring in outside air like a swamp cooler or whole house fan if you have other ways to stay cool."

What Happens Next

Adverse weather conditions continue in California, which is currently under a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

"Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous," explained the NWS. "If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you."