5/18-5/19: Air Quality Advisory

Ground-level ozone forms when pollution from cars, power plants, factories, and other sources reacts with sunlight and heat. Even at low levels, ozone can irritate the eyes, trigger coughing, and make it harder to breathe—especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma or other lung conditions.

Ozone pollution is most common on hot, sunny days, particularly in cities and urban areas. However, unhealthy ozone levels can also occur during cooler months and in rural communities because ozone pollution can travel long distances through the air.

Hot weather plays a major role in ozone formation. Heat speeds up the chemical reactions that create ozone, while weak winds during heat waves can cause polluted air to become trapped and stagnant. As a result, ozone levels can quickly build up during periods of extreme heat.