A(n) Action Day has been declared for Baton Rouge Area on Tuesday, Aug. 3 and Wednesday, Aug. 4

 

Today and Tomorrow's Forecast

Tuesday, Aug. 3: 111 AQI

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- Orange- Ozone

Wednesday, Aug. 4: 106 AQI

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- Orange- Ozone

Today, mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper-90s to low-100s will aid ozone formation across Louisiana. In addition, light winds will limit the dispersion of pollutants, allowing ozone and particle levels to increase. These conditions will lead to mid- to high-Moderate AQI levels in most cities and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI levels in Baton Rouge.

Tomorrow, scattered afternoon thunderstorms will limit ozone formation and disperse some pollutants in Louisiana. However, temperatures in the low-100s and mostly sunny skies through the early part of the day will continue to support the formation of ozone in Louisiana. These conditions, combined with high pollutant carryover from previous days, will keep AQI levels Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Baton Rouge and high-Moderate in most other cities.

Thursday, thunderstorms will become more widespread, reducing ozone formation and increasing vertical mixing in the atmosphere. However, partly sunny skies and very warm temperatures will keep AQI levels mid- to high-Moderate for ozone statewide.

This area includes East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, Ascension and Pointe Coupee parishes. The weather conditions will be favorable for the formation of ozone.

The Air Quality Index indicates that ozone will be at the orange level, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality during afternoon hours. Active children and adults, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and exertion.

Area residents are encouraged to take one or more of the following voluntary actions to help reduce the formation of ozone::

• Drive less. Carpool, walk and bike, combine errands and care for your car. Be sure your gas cap is on tight.

• Refuel your vehicle, mow grass and use gas powered lawn equipment and off road vehicles after 6 p.m.

• Postpone chores that use oil based paint, varnishes and solvents that produce flame.

• If you barbeque, use an electric starter instead of starter fluid.

• Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch

• If you work in the downtown area, consider taking the trolley, subway, bus or walk to lunch from 10:30 a.m. -

2:30 p.m.

• Conserve energy in your home.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routines can makje a significant difference. We all have a stake in better air quality.

SPREAD THE WORD by telling family, friends, co-workers and neighbors about OZONE ACTION DAYS.

More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available online at the DEQ website www.deq.louisiana.gov.

For questions, please call 225-219-3489 (weekdays).

For more information on the U.S. EPA's AIRNow Program, visit http://www.airnow.gov.