Tuesday's expected hot weather has prompted air quality officials to issue a Spare the Air smog alert. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has started telling people to avoid driving, if possible. The pollution released from cars can mix with heat, creating smog that can lead to throat irritation, congestion, chest pain and other ailments, especially for those with respiratory and heart conditions.

This year, so far, the district has issued five Spare the Air alerts and the Bay Area has surpassed federal smog standards on two days.

As per the National Weather Service, most of this week high temperatures will be around 100 degrees, and could come down to 90s by Sunday. Still, the agency mentioned that above-normal highs might continue throughout coming week as a ridge of high pressure remains across the region.

All the residents have been told to cut back on activities that can lead to pollution, like driving, using oil-based paints, gasoline-powered lawn mowers, or household aerosol products such as hair sprays. The agency has advised sensitive people to limit their outings mainly during the afternoon hours.

In a statement, executive officer of the Air District, Jack Broadbent said, "Motor vehicle exhaust is the No. 1 source of smog-forming pollution, so we're asking Bay Area residents to share rides, take transit, bike or walk to help keep pollution levels down so that we can all breathe easier".