Dallas, Texas – Drivers and outdoor workers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may want to limit time outside Wednesday as ozone levels are expected to climb into the unhealthy range.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), July 2 has been declared an Ozone Action Day across the metroplex. Stagnant weather conditions and summer heat are likely to create elevated ground-level ozone, triggering air quality concerns for Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and surrounding counties.
Residents are urged to reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary driving, carpooling, delaying refueling, and turning off engines at drive-thru windows. Sensitive groups — including children, the elderly, and people with asthma — should limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments encourages the public to use mass transit, bike, or telework when possible. Similar ozone alerts were issued several times last summer, especially during high-pressure heat waves.
Air quality is expected to improve overnight, but additional alerts may be issued later this week if weather patterns persist.
