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Texas Air Quality Alert Today: Dallas-Fort Worth Ozone Risk Oct. 21
Dallas, TX – Residents across the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area are facing an Ozone Action Day on Wednesday, October 21, as environmental officials warn that atmospheric conditions could support
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-21T09:27:08.227Z
Dallas, TX – Residents across the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area are facing an Ozone Action Day on Wednesday, October 21, as environmental officials warn that atmospheric conditions could support elevated ozone pollution. The advisory comes as North Texas prepares for several warm, mostly sunny afternoons, with temperatures expected to climb into the middle 80s before the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, an Ozone Action Day has been issued for the Dallas Fort Worth area Wednesday. The notice, released Tuesday afternoon, indicates that atmospheric conditions are expected to favor the production of high ozone pollution levels.
The advisory applies to the Dallas Fort Worth area, including communities across Dallas and Tarrant counties and the surrounding metropolitan region.
What Residents Should Know About the Ozone Action Day Ground level ozone forms when pollutants react in sunlight. Elevated concentrations can create health concerns, particularly for children, older adults and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality encourages residents to reduce activities that contribute to ozone formation.
Suggested actions include sharing rides, walking, bicycling, taking lunch to work instead of driving and avoiding drive through lanes. Residents are also encouraged to conserve energy and keep vehicles properly maintained.
The notice identifies favorable conditions for ozone production but does not provide a specific air quality index reading or confirm that unhealthy ozone levels will occur everywhere.
Five Day Dallas Fort Worth Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Sunny skies are expected across Dallas, with temperatures reaching approximately 82 degrees. Calm winds will become easterly around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 59 degrees.
Thursday 10/22: Sunshine continues, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 84 degrees. Winds will become easterly around 5 mph. Thursday night will remain mostly clear, with temperatures falling near 60 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Mostly sunny conditions will continue, with temperatures reaching approximately 84 degrees. Light southeast winds will increase to 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon. Friday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures around 61 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Mostly sunny skies are forecast, with temperatures reaching approximately 83 degrees. Southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph could produce gusts up to 20 mph. Saturday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 61 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 80 degrees. Sunday night will become mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 59 degrees.
Extended Outlook: Warmth Continues, Rain Chances Return The National Weather Service forecasts another mostly sunny afternoon Monday, October 26, with temperatures reaching approximately 81 degrees.
A 20% chance of showers develops Monday night, followed by a 30% chance Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to reach approximately 74 degrees.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center also favors above normal temperatures across North Texas from October 28 through November 3, with precipitation probabilities leaning above normal.
Residents should monitor updated air quality information throughout Wednesday, particularly those sensitive to ozone pollution. The Ozone Action Day is specific to Wednesday and does not establish an air quality alert for the remainder of the week.