DEEP warns of poor air quality
Unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups is forecast beginning Saturday and again on Monday, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Friday.
DEEP air quality analysts said weather patterns over the next few days will create elevated ground-level ozone pollution over coastal Connecticut on Saturday.
Ozone levels are then expected to drop to good to moderate levels for a day on Sunday before becoming unhealthy for all of Connecticut on Monday, DEEP said.
“Over the next two of the three days, we are expecting air quality that will impact children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease such as asthma,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said.
“It is advised that those people with respiratory and other health problems limit their time outdoors and avoid prolonged strenuous activities or exercise,” he said.
A weak cold front approaches on Saturday and slides off the coast on Sunday.
Hot and humid weather continues on Saturday, but moderates a bit Saturday night and Sunday as weak high pressure moves to the southeast states by Monday.
This leads to a return flow of southwest winds on Monday, with warmer temperatures.
A cold front is expected to cross the state by Tuesday morning, putting an end to this round of elevated ozone levels, DEEP said.
Unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone can cause or make worse a variety of respiratory and other health problems including breathing difficulty, coughing and throat irritation and worsen asthma episodes.
Peak ozone levels occur between noon and 8 p.m., so people should exercise before or after these times to minimize health effects, DEEP said.
When air pollution levels are predicted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, DEEP recommends:
Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees.
“Wait till 8” to use energy-intensive appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.
Refueling your lawn mower and cutting the grass before noon.
Driving less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transit.