DETROIT (WWJ) - As temperatures soar to almost 90 degrees this week, air quality is becoming an issue for most of southeast Michigan with an Ozone Action Day already declared for Tuesday.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore, stagnant air will hover over the Metro Detroit for much of the week and highs in the upper 80's will stick around, which will cause elevated levels of ozone.
The Air Quality Alert is in effect for the following counties for all of Tuesday: St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe.
Pollutants are forecasted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include children, the elderly, people with respiratory conditions and those who work, exercise or play strenuously outdoors.
"We are in a very warm and exceedingly dry air mass that is not going to change," DeVore explained. "Its not had a lot of movement in terms of the air so I think in situations like today's air quality alert for elevated levels of ozone, unhealthy for sensitive groups, that's kind of a yellow alert situation. We could even see orange alerts as we go through the week."
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) declares an Ozone Action Day when weather conditions are likely to combine with pollution emissions to form high levels of ozone near the ground.
When in the stratosphere, officials said the ozone layer acts as a shield and protects earth from harmful ultraviolet rays, but it's a different story when ozone builds lower in the atmosphere.
"At ground level, excess ozone is a human health threat, causing lung problems and eye irritation," Oakland County health officials explained on heir website.
Weather experts urge people and businesses to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. The following activities are recommended for cleaner air:
• Refuel vehicles, lawn equipment and gas cans carefully.
• Avoid topping off the tank and be sure to lift the hose high to avoid spilling gas when finished.
• Choose to refuel after 6 p.m. when the air is cooler and ozone formation is less likely.
• Reduce automobile use and improve fuel consumption.
• Avoid excessive engine idling because excessive idling emits more pollutants than restarting a warm motor.
• Using water based paints.
• Combine trips or consider car and van pools or public transit for commuting or enjoy the day by choosing to ride a bicycle or walk to various errands and activities.
• Stay Informed.
Ozone Action Days are announced during most weather reports through local news outlets. You can stay tuned to WWJ LIVE as the week progresses to stay up-to-date on any new Air Quality Alerts.