Community Corner

Air-Quality Alert Issued on Top of Heat Advisory

Ozone levels rise with the temperature, making double trouble for those with respiratory problems.

The National Weather Service has added an air-quality alert to its heat advisory already in effect through Monday night, making it doubly important for people at risk of heat exhaustion to take precautions.

High ozone levels are expected through Monday night, and it's likely that the alert will be continued through much — if not all — of the week.

According to the weather service, hot, humid air is expected to remain over southern Wisconsin throughout the week, with temperatures in the mid-90s and dewpoints in the 70s. That means afternoon heat that will feel like — and have the effect — of temperatures up to 110 degrees.

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On top of that, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Sheboygan counties are warned that the air-quality index is expected to reach the unhealthy level for people in sensitive groups including children, elderly people, people with respiratory and cardiac problems or anyone engaged in strenuous outdoor activities.

Ozone is produced by a reaction between air pollutants and ultraviolet radiation, both of which often become elevated during hot summer weather conditions that trap gases over urban areas.

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Elevated ozone levels can exacerbate conditions, including asthma and bronchitis, and can cause death for those with cardiopulmonary diseases. People with those conditions are strongly advised to stay in an air-conditioned environment for the duration of the alert.


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