Birmingham, Ala. – Residents in Birmingham and surrounding areas are being urged to take precautions today as a Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Jefferson and Shelby counties. Ground-level ozone levels have climbed to unhealthy ranges for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index reading of 101 reported early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory issues should limit time outdoors. Officials also recommend keeping windows closed, using filtered air conditioning, and avoiding burning debris, which can worsen pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that ozone concentrations peak during the afternoon and early evening hours, when temperatures rise and sunlight intensifies. Commuters may notice hazy skies, while those with respiratory conditions could experience shortness of breath, coughing, or aggravated symptoms.
Local officials emphasize reducing vehicle use, delaying lawn mowing, and cutting back on outdoor activities to help limit ozone production and protect vulnerable residents. Additional air quality alerts are possible if stagnant weather patterns persist into the weekend.
