New Haven, Connecticut – Residents in southern Fairfield and New Haven counties should take extra care Thursday, as unhealthy ozone levels are expected from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Action Day, urging the public to limit outdoor activity during these hours.
According to the Connecticut DEEP, ground-level ozone may approach or exceed unhealthy standards, raising risks for sensitive groups, including children, seniors, and people with asthma or heart conditions. Southern Fairfield and southern New Haven are under the alert, with air quality expected to worsen during peak afternoon heat.
Local agencies advise residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning if possible. Drivers are asked to refuel vehicles after 7 p.m. and reduce idling to help limit emissions. City officials in Stamford, Bridgeport, and New Haven warn that outdoor summer programs may be adjusted or canceled for the day.
This alert follows a series of similar warnings issued in July across Connecticut and neighboring New York counties, as high temperatures and stagnant air boost ozone pollution.
Air quality alerts remain in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday. More advisories may follow if conditions persist into the weekend.
