Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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05/20/2022

DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone for CT for Saturday May 21

(HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting several days of very warm weather, which will contribute to elevated ozone levels across much of Connecticut. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)levels for parts of Connecticut on May 21, 2022. 

 

“With summer–like 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,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “As our weather warms up, all the conditions for ozone production are in place and we expect to see elevated levels across coastal towns extending from Greenwich to Stonington, up to East Hartford Connecticut.”

 

“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,” said Dykes.

 

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 

Although the last several weeks have been cloudy and cool, weather models predict a warm front, and surface level trough sitting over the State Saturday, May 21st. This means that temperatures may rise well into the high 80s, low 90s, with winds out of the southwest. This weather pattern will 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. 

What You Can Do to Help 

While DEEP implements programs to reduce air pollution in Connecticut and works cooperatively with nearby states to reduce the amount of dirty air coming into our state, we all have the ability to reduce our contribution to local air pollution. DEEP recommends simple, common-sense steps to reduce your impact: 

  • Drive Clean –consider purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle. Learn more by visiting: www.driveelectricus.com; 
  • Drive Less - consider carpooling, vanpooling, using public transit or even telecommuting; 
  • Reduce or Shift Energy Demand – purchase energy efficient products like ENERGY STAR®LED lights and ENERGY STAR®air conditioning, use programmable thermostats set to 78oor higher when no one is home, and use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers later in the day; 
  • Be Aware of Your Air -Understand the Air Quality Index and sign up to receive alerts so you will know when air quality is predicted to be unhealthy; and
  • When you know there will be an unhealthy air day-make small changes to your routine: 
  1. Refuel your vehicle after dusk and stop refueling when the nozzle clicks off, 
  2. Avoid idling your vehicle unnecessarily, 
  3. Delay mowing your lawn or using other lawn and garden equipment, 
  4. Limit your outdoor activity in the heat of the day, 
  5. Refrain from recreational wood burning; 
  • Remember thatknowledge is power! Ask your school if they participate in the School Flag Program, EPA’s Air Quality awareness tool that uses colored flags based on the AQI to notify teachers, students, administrators and the local community of air quality conditions.  

 

Stay connected and access the daily AQI forecast and real-time air quality data 

  • Follow us on Twitter  
  • Sign up to get Air-Quality alerts through Enviroflash 
  • Visit DEEP’s AQI webpage or call 800-249-1234 
  • Go to EPA’s AIRNowweb page 
  • Download EPA’s AIRnow app for your phone 

 

Ozone Monitoring Season 

DEEP monitors, tracks and forecasts daily air quality levels across Connecticut for ozone from May 1st through September 30theach year and for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) each day of the year. On April 30, 2022, DEEP began informing Connecticut’s regulated community and the general public of the ozone season via the State of Connecticut E-mail list serve and posting air quality forecasts on the DEEP web page, available here.  

DEEP encourages daycare providers, summer camps and elder/senior centers to subscribe to the Air Quality Index (AQI). Subscribing to the AQI is fast and easy and will provide you with important information each day about Connecticut’s air quality through the spring and summer. The AQI link provides facts and information regarding ground-level ozone, its’ health effects, what to do on a high ozone day, and most importantly what you can do to help reduce ground level ozone in your backyard. 

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110