CODE ORANGE: AIR QUALITY WARNING

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has forecasted unhealthy air quality due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution throughout all of Connecticut for Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22.  

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Code Orange) has been issued due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone for Thursday, and possible “Unhealthy” levels (Code Red) by Friday, when the core of hottest air mass moves into the region.  

Link to current Air Quality Levels in CT: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/current/ct-aqi_current_hour.gif  

Weather Summary:  

High pressure centered to our south will continue to allow for a combination of sunny skies, hot temperatures and southwest surface winds to persist over Connecticut through Friday. 

This combination of heat and surface southwest winds will produce ideal conditions for ozone formation and transport of elevated levels of ozone and other air pollution into Connecticut. 

These conditions will persist at least through Friday as the hottest air mass of this summer will continue to dominate the Northeast.   Ground-level ozone pollution is produced when oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of intense sunlight and high temperatures.        

Health Effects:  

Anyone can be affected by ground-level ozone, but groups particularly sensitive include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma. 

Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations.    

Actions You Can Take to Improve Air Quality:

• Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline powered mowers
• Carpool and/or take public transportation, when possible
• Avoid refueling vehicles until after dusk
• Conserve electricity and set air conditioners to 78°F