Overview
- - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which issued alerts Wednesday, warned of high ground-level ozone in Houston/Galveston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso and other metros.
- - Air Quality Index readings placed Houston in the unhealthy category, with Amarillo, El Paso, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas listed as unhealthy for sensitive groups during peak afternoon and early evening hours.
- - A ridge of high pressure parked over the state limited air movement, and near-90 degree temperatures helped ozone build near the ground where people breathe.
- - Officials urged people to cut emissions and limit exposure by carpooling, skipping drive-thrus, refueling after sunset, avoiding gas-powered lawn tools, and easing outdoor exertion for children, older adults and outdoor workers.
- - Forecasts call for improving conditions as the high shifts east, with returning southeasterly winds by Friday gusting up to about 25 mph to mix the lower atmosphere and dilute ozone.