Air pollution and weather

Already this spring we’ve had a couple of days when the air pollution has been unhealthy. The amount of pollution released into the air doesn’t change much from day to day. But the weather patterns affect how much pollution collects in the lower atmosphere and whether it makes the air unhealthy to breathe.

High pressure might bring us a sunny sky, but it also produces weak winds. That allows the air to become stagnant. In turn, the sunshine bakes the pollution which creates noxious ozone. Although ozone is invisible, the pollution that creates the ozone gives the sky a brown, hazy appearance.

While pollution is a problem for all of us, it’s especially hard on folks with heart and lung ailments, the elderly and very young. When the air quality becomes unhealthy, avoid being outdoors during the afternoon and early evening hours when pollution is usually worse. Stay indoors where the air conditioner will help filter the air you breathe.

Watch for the "Weather and Health" reports on ABC13 and on our 24-hour weather channel Comcast 315. We report the expected allergy levels, the UV Index and the Air Quality Forecast.