My Saturday to-do list is all outdoors stuff. Was not expecting this DEQ alert when I checked the weather. (I’m placing myself in the active adult category, by the way. See below.)

…Air quality alert in effect until midnight CDT tonight…

The Mississippi department of environmental quality is forecasting a air quality alert for Hancock…Harrison and Jackson counties…in effect until midnight CDT tonight.

Weather conditions will be favorable for the formation of ozone. The air quality index indicates that ozone will be at the Orange level… which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality during afternoon hours.
Active children and adults…the elderly and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma…should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.

Please take whatever voluntary steps you can to reduce emissions that contribute to ozone formation. Drive less and make sure your automobile is in good working condition. Make sure your gas cap is tight. Wait until after 6 PM to refuel your vehicle and use gas powered lawn equipment. More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available at the d E q website opc.Deq.State.MS.US/aqi.