So, what’s a person trying to get by in Big D supposed to make of this bad-air notice?
The website AirNow.gov places the level of ozone in the area at an orange ranking, meaning that it’s unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with health conditions like asthma, those who stay outside for at least six hours per day, and older adults and young Texans are asked to slash their air exposure by spending less time outdoors.
North Texas weather oracle Pete Delkus with WFAA also weighed in with a Tuesday morning tweet.
“It's an Ozone Action Day,” Delkus wrote. “Higher levels of ozone are expected during the afternoon hours. Groups with respiratory issues should limit outdoor time. This happens with warmer temps, low winds, sunshine & pollution. It can be reduced by limiting driving.”
Yikes, limiting driving? Good luck to commuters, given the region’s relative lack of public transportation solutions.
The Environmental Protection Agency tracks the matter in its air quality index reports. The annual summary for Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington from last year indicates we suffered through 49 days that were unhealthy for sensitive groups, and three days that were unhealthy for everyone.
The North Texas region was placed on an "Ozone Action Day" alert earlier this month, too. During such days, healthcare service provider MedStar sees a spike in respiratory condition response volumes — at times up to 24% higher.It's an Ozone Action Day. Higher levels of ozone are expected during the afternoon hours. Groups with respiratory issues should limit outdoor time. This happens with warmer temps, low winds, sunshine & pollution. It can be reduced by limiting driving. #wfaaweather pic.twitter.com/JNHuNxMl69
— Pete Delkus (@wfaaweather) May 30, 2023
A meteorologist with CBS News Texas noted this type of poor air quality usually peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you start to feel some symptoms coming on and are having trouble breathing, seek an indoor room with air conditioning.
Oh, and get this: Certain parts of North Texas might also get some scattered thunderstorms on Tuesday. Delkus tweeted in the morning that the rain could be heavy at times, and there’s a potential for lightning and gusty winds.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected today. The highest coverage will be east of DFW. Severe weather is not expected, but stronger storms could produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds along with frequent lightning. #wfaaweather pic.twitter.com/Han9EtDdss
— Pete Delkus (@wfaaweather) May 30, 2023
Rain may sound nice and all, but it's not always a friend to allergy-prone folks, as it can reportedly exacerbate seasonal allergies. A phenomenon called “thunderstorm asthma” can occur, which is triggered by forming storm clouds that sweep up pollen grains.
Suggestion: With the air quality alert and potential impending thunderstorm asthma, now might be a good time to bust out your best Bubble Boy get-up.
