DEEP forecasts elevated levels of ozone in Connecticut this weekend
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Friday it is expecting several days of very warm weather, which “will contribute to elevated ozone levels across much of Connecticut.”
The levels may approach or exceed “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” levels for parts of Connecticut, according to the agency.
“With high temperatures expected this weekend, more people will be taking to the outdoors for all types of recreational activities, including visiting one of Connecticut’s many beautiful beaches or state parks,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement. “With warmer weather, we also unfortunately see the conditions for ozone production are in place and we are expecting elevated levels across coastal towns extending from Greenwich to Stonington on Saturday and in the western half of the state from Greenwich up to and through the Connecticut River Valley on Sunday.”
Dykes said, “vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases, and even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should take care to recognize the effects of air pollution and curtail strenuous activity when our air quality is impaired.”
Further information provided by the agency:
Health Effects of Air Pollution
When air quality is forecasted to be USG, there is an increased likelihood individuals in sensitive groups will develop respiratory symptoms and may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk for experiencing these symptoms. Active children and adults, and people with impaired lung function or cardiovascular disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Peak ozone levels generally occur between 2-8 PM EDT, so make sure you get your activity or exercise in before or after these times to minimize adverse health effects.
Weather Summary
This weekend we will have a break from the cloudy, cool, and rainy weather with more summer-like conditions for Connecticut. Weather models predict high pressure over the Northeast for the weekend of June 24 – 25, 2022. Sunny skies will help temperatures rise well into the high 80s, low 90s. On Saturday,, northwest winds will turn southwest during the late afternoon for inland areas with southwest winds turning south in the early afternoon for coastal areas. On Sunday, southwest winds will turn south in the afternoon. This weather pattern will potentially enable interstate air pollution to enter Connecticut from along the I-95 corridor to our southwest where it will mix with local emissions and, in the warm temperatures, oxidize to form the secondary pollutant, ozone.
