Gary, Indiana – Residents across northwest Indiana are facing dangerous air quality today as fine particulate levels climb into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, prompting health advisories and calls for caution until midnight. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued an Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, warning that anyone with asthma, heart, or lung conditions—along with young children and older adults—should limit time outdoors.
According to IDEM, PM 2.5 concentrations will remain elevated through the evening, impacting Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties, including cities like Merrillville, Valparaiso, Hammond, Portage, Rensselaer, and DeMotte. Officials recommend staying inside, using public transportation, and waiting until after 7 p.m. to refuel or use gas-powered equipment.
Parents are urged to keep children indoors during afternoon sports or playground time. Commuters should avoid idling and combine errands to reduce emissions. Those with breathing issues are advised to keep medications close and seek air-conditioned spaces if symptoms worsen.
The air quality threat is expected to last until midnight, with additional advisories possible if conditions persist.
