Dallas, Texas – Residents across North Texas and the Gulf Coast will need to take extra precautions Thursday as air quality officials warn of unhealthy ozone levels in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas. Sensitive groups, including children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory issues, could face increased health risks through Thursday night.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), stagnant summer conditions and increased vehicle emissions are likely to drive ozone pollution above safe levels from sunrise until midnight, July 31. The alert covers Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties, as well as surrounding communities.
Motorists in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Galveston are urged to limit unnecessary driving, avoid idling in drive-through lanes, and carpool if possible. Energy conservation and skipping lawn equipment use are also encouraged. Schools, hospitals, and local agencies may limit outdoor activities as ozone reaches peak levels during the afternoon and early evening hours.
Ozone Action Days have become common in Texas summers, mirroring similar alerts from 2022 and 2023. High ozone can cause coughing, throat irritation, and breathing difficulty—even for healthy adults. If you must be outdoors, limit strenuous activity and monitor real-time air quality at AirNow.gov.
The current advisory remains in effect until midnight Thursday, with updates expected if conditions worsen or extend into Friday.
