Action Day has been declared for New Orleans Today

Posted: Aug 31, 2011 11:49 AM by Press Release
Source: KATC

Today and Tomorrow's Forecast
Wednesday, Aug 31: 110 AQI Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)
Thursday, Sep 1: 90 AQI Moderate Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

Today, smoke from the marsh fire will enhance ozone and particle production in the New Orleans area. In addition, sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-90s will support the formation of ozone. These conditions, combined with carryover from yesterday, will lead to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI levels for particles. Tomorrow and Friday, a low-pressure system will move into southern Louisiana from the south, producing mostly cloudy skies and moderate easterly winds. These weather conditions will limit ozone formation and disperse pollutants. However, continued smoky conditions, warm temperatures, and high pollutant carryover will lead to mid to high-Moderate AQI levels on both days.

DEQ is forecasting a PM2.5 Action Day for the New Orleans metropolitan area. Smoke from a burning marsh fire near I-10 and I-510 will cause poor air quality in the New Orleans metropolitan area. This Action Day may be extended depending on the fire and weather conditions.

The Air Quality Index indicates that particles will be at the orange level, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing particle 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.

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).