Gary, IN – An Air Quality Alert is in effect Thursday for northwest Indiana due to elevated ozone levels. The alert, issued by the US National Weather Service in Chicago, cautions that air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, particularly those with chronic respiratory illnesses.
According to the US National Weather Service, the alert impacts Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper, LaPorte, and Benton counties. The elevated ozone levels are primarily due to weather conditions that have contributed to poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to be in the orange range, indicating that the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible and reduce strenuous outdoor activities. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should take extra precautions, including using air purifiers and keeping windows closed.
For more information and updates on the air quality, residents can visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov
