Hartford, Conn. – Connecticut residents from Torrington to Willimantic face a significant air quality threat Thursday as fine particulate levels are expected to climb to unhealthy ranges throughout the day. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued an Air Quality Action Day, warning that conditions could impact sensitive groups and anyone spending extended time outdoors.
According to the DEEP, the Air Quality Alert runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and covers Hartford, Tolland, Windham, Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London, and Litchfield counties. Fine particulate concentrations are projected to reach levels that may be hazardous, especially for children, older adults, and people with respiratory issues.
Cities including Hartford, Windsor Locks, Union, Vernon, Putnam, Willimantic, Torrington, Oakville, and Gaylordsville are under the alert. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning with clean filters if possible. Drivers should avoid idling, and anyone with health concerns is advised to check air quality readings regularly on the DEEP website.
Thursday marks one of several air quality action days this summer, with smoky, stagnant weather patterns contributing to pollution buildup. Similar episodes last July led to emergency room visits and school event cancellations.
The unhealthy air is expected to persist until 11 p.m. Thursday. More advisories may follow if poor air quality continues into the weekend.
