National Weather Service Issues 9-County Alert — Why Is The Air Quality Bad Today
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for much of southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday, June 3, and the answer to why is the air quality bad today is ozone. The alert runs until 11 p.m. and covers nine counties.
Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha are under the alert. Ozone AQI is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level.
Wisconsin Counties Under Alert
Sensitive groups were urged to make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Officials also told people to watch for coughing or shortness of breath, and to plan outdoor activities in the morning when ozone is lower.
Ozone AQI In Southeast Wisconsin
The alert does not say what caused the ozone level to rise. For people in the nine affected counties, the immediate step is to trim time outside and shift errands, exercise, or work outdoors into the morning hours if possible.
Wednesday, June 3 Deadline
The alert remains in place until 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, so the practical window for precautions runs through the rest of the day. Anyone in a sensitive group who notices coughing or shortness of breath should treat those symptoms as the sign to go inside and reduce exertion.
