Air Quality Alert issued for South Louisiana due to elevated ozone levels Wednesday

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Residents in South Louisiana should be on alert again Wednesday as air quality is expected to deteriorate, particularly in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

An high-pressure system over Louisiana is limiting how much air mixes in the atmosphere, while light winds are failing to disperse pollutants effectively. Combined with regional smoke, this situation is keeping air pollution levels elevated.

As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday is projected to reach levels that are “ Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups ” in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metros. Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for several parishes, including Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany, effective until midnight.

By Thursday, conditions should improve somewhat in western Louisiana as increasing southerly winds help disperse pollutants. However, southeastern Louisiana will continue to experience light winds and lingering smoke, keeping air quality in the higher end of the “Moderate” range.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging residents to take voluntary steps to reduce emissions. Suggestions include driving less, ensuring vehicles are well-maintained, tightening gas caps, and postponing refueling and using gas-powered lawn equipment until after 6 PM.

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