St. Louis, Missouri – Children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory issues should limit outdoor activity in the St. Louis area Tuesday, as air quality is expected to hit unhealthy levels from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the St. Louis Clean Air Partnership, an Orange-level air quality alert has been issued across both Missouri and Illinois metro counties, including Saint Louis City, Madison, St. Clair, and Saint Charles. Ground-level ozone is forecast to rise to concentrations that can cause breathing problems, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Cities impacted include Alton, Belleville, Cahokia, Edwardsville, and Union, where residents are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor work. The use of gasoline-powered equipment should be postponed, and commuters are encouraged to carpool or use public transit to help limit emissions. Reducing vehicle idling and delaying fueling can also lower pollution levels.
Tuesday’s alert marks one of several high-ozone days so far this summer, as stagnant air and warm temperatures worsen regional air quality.
Air quality is expected to improve Tuesday night, but additional alerts may be issued later this week depending on weather and pollution patterns.
