MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Code Orange Ozone Forecast is in effect Sunday in the Memphis metropolitan area.
This means ozone levels are expected to exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The Shelby County Health Department, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality worked together to issue the alert.
In light of the Code Orange, MATA bus and trolley fares will be discounted Sunday.
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.
