The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is forecasting unhealthy air quality due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone for Tuesday afternoon through Thursday for six of the seven counties in Connecticut: Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, Tolland, and New London.
A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Code Orange) has been issued due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone this afternoon through Thursday. On Friday, September 3, 2010 air quality is expected to improve due to an approaching tropical system.
Weather Summary:
A ridge of high pressure centered over the Mid-Atlantic States has allowed for a combination of sunny skies, hot temperatures and near stagnant surface winds to persist over Connecticut during the last several days. This combination of heat and very light winds has produced ideal conditions for ozone formation and transport of elevated levels of ozone into Connecticut. Ground-level ozone may decrease by Friday when an approaching tropical system brings easterly winds and clouds to the northeastern United States.
Health Effects:
Anyone can be affected by ozone, but children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, are particularly sensitive to the effects of ground-level ozone. 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
