MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and DeSoto County in Mississippi will be under a Code Orange Ozone Forecast Monday.
This means the ozone levels are expected to exceed air quality standards, so the air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Shelby County Health Department advises people who are active and people with respiratory disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. These groups should watch out for nose, eye, throat and lung irritation and keep in mind the high ozone levels can worsen existing conditions or make someone more susceptible to illness.
The health department also recommends people drive less and refuel after 7 p.m. to reduce the ozone levels.
The high ozone levels are due to stagnant conditions, increased temperatures and decreased winds, according to the health department.
The Shelby County Health Department worked with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to issue the advisory.
