Memphis, TN – The Shelby County Health Department has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Memphis metropolitan area, including parts of Arkansas and Mississippi, effective until sunset today. The alert indicates that ozone levels are forecasted to reach unhealthy levels, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
According to the National Weather Service, this Code Orange alert warns of elevated ozone concentrations that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal safe health standard. Residents in the affected areas, including Shelby County, TN, Crittenden County, AR, and DeSoto County, MS, are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Health officials recommend that sensitive individuals, including active children and adults with pre-existing health conditions, stay indoors as much as possible. The public is urged to monitor air quality updates throughout the day to ensure safety as ozone levels fluctuate. For more information, residents can visit airnow.gov.
This advisory is part of an ongoing effort to protect public health during periods of poor air quality.
