Air Quality Alert extended until Monday night

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has extended its Air Quality Advisory until 10:45 p.m. Monday.

That announcement was made just before noon Sunday.

In cooperation with the West Michigan Clean Air Coalition, we also refer to this as a Clean Air Action Day. Some folks may remember it as the old Ozone Action Day.

The advisory impacts Allegan, Berrien, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren Counties in West Michigan. See image below.

FOX 17

EGLE says forecast weather conditions will allow ozone to form in large enough quantities to cause issues for people who are sensitive to the gas.

To prevent the buildup of ozone, please refrain from refueling your vehicle and topping off your gas tank, using gas-powered lawn equipment, putting lighter fluid on your charcoal grill, or setting fires during the day on Sunday. All of these contribute to ground level ozone, which make for poor air quality here at the surface.

They also recommend closing house windows and using air conditioning to circulate the air and limit the stagnant outdoor air.

People who are sensitive to ozone should limit rigorous outdoor activities.

READ ON: The science behind Clean Air Action Days

Because of the Air Quality Advisory, the Rapid will be offering free rides all day today. The Rapid offers free rides every day that a Clean Air Action Day is issued or an Air Quality Advisory is in effect.