Ozone Action Day Declared In Michigan Friday: What To Know

MICHIGAN — The heatwave that has been forecast a few days now is ready to begin. For Friday, an Ozone Action Day has been declared.

The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect from noon Thursday to 8 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s both Friday and Saturday. Increasing humidity will yield heat indices peaking during the afternoon hours in the 100 to 110 degree range. Low temperatures will only fall into the 70s each night limiting the possible relief from the heat.

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.

Why we need an Ozone Action Day

The Southesast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) declares an Ozone Action Day when the weather is like this. The council says air quality is one of the important measures identified in its plans and programs.

On Wednesday the region was still experiencing increased moisture, scattered clouds and small chances for precipitation from the remnants of what was Hurricane Barry. This system finally pulled out of the area, but upper level ridging builds in Thursday bringing very warm surface and upper level temperatures, according to forecasters.

Humidity levels will also be increasing with heat indexes approaching or exceeding 100 degrees in many locations.

The threat is high enough to warrant Action Days for Thursday and Friday in both the southwest and southeastern portions of the state.

Fine particulate could also see slow increases the next few days with readings ranging from upper Good to lower Moderate.

"We all need to help keep the air clean," said Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG Executive Director. "Since the mid-1990s, air quality in Southeast Michigan has improved. That is due, in part, to the actions that residents take on Ozone Action days, giving credence to one of SEMCOG's key messages — that individual actions taken by many can make a difference. We look for that support again this summer."

This is the 26th year of the voluntary program. In 2018, there were nine Ozone Action days, according to SEMCOG.

What you can do

Here are some things southeast Michigan residents can do to help keep the air clean:

• Delay mowing your lawn until evening or the next day. Exhaust from your lawn mower and other gas-powered lawn and garden equipment help form ozone.
• Leave your car at home. Instead, take the bus, carpool, bike, walk, or telecommute. You'll reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as save money. Learn more about Southeast Michigan Commuter Connect.
• Avoid refueling your vehicle during daylight hours. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
• Delay or combine errands. This will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
• Reduce electricity use. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn off lights, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use.