DEEP forecasts unhealthy air through June 21

#MiddleburyCT #OzoneLevels #AirQuality

(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s (˚F) beginning today, June 18, with high temperatures persisting into Friday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Hartford and Tolland Counties, while a Heat Advisory is issued for Litchfield, Windham, Northern Fairfield and Northern New Haven Counties. These hot temperatures will contribute to elevated ozone levels for parts of inland Connecticut beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the week. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for parts of Connecticut on June 18, and may continue through Friday, June 21.

“With the official start of summer this week and the expected high temperatures, the stage is set for ozone production as we expect mid-Atlantic air pollution to combine with home-grown air pollution from transportation sources including higher emitting cars and trucks operating on Connecticut’s roads to produce unhealthy levels of ozone in parts of inland Connecticut today,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “As hot temperatures and sunny skies persist, unhealthy levels of ozone production could extend into Friday.”

“Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases should continue to exercise caution over the next few days and check AirNow regularly. Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should minimize strenuous activities and recognize that poor air quality combined with high temperatures can affect even healthy individuals,” said Dykes. “During this current heat wave, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas, and limit the time spent in direct sun.”

State Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani, MD, said. “Additionally, more physical tasks should take place in the morning or evening, when the sun is less intense, and temperatures are cooler. Residents also should stay informed with town alerts and updates from their local health departments.”

Commissioner Juthani also encourages residents to utilize a new tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where residents can easily input their zip code to view the real-time heat risk in their respective counties. Find the tool here.