The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
(EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for Saturday and Sunday,
June 21 and 22, for elevated levels of ozone in parts of southwest
Michigan. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range.
The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following counties in
southwest Michigan…
Berrien and Cass
We are in the peak of ozone season, and the current forecast shows
ozone-conducive conditions for Saturday. Surface temperatures in the
90s, coupled with ample sunlight and southwest winds, create an
environment favorable for ozone development along the Lake Michigan
shoreline.
It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor
activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as
asthma.
People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to
ozone formation. These activities include:
* refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling;
* using gasoline powered lawn equipment;
* using charcoal lighter fluid.
Positive activities include:
* driving less;
* telecommuting;
* walking or bike riding;
* delaying or combining errands;
* using water-based paints.
For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site:
https://air-egle.hub.arcgis.com/
For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPA’s Air Now site:
https://www.airnow.gov/
