URBANA – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an alert that the air will be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” throughout the entire state of Illinois on Friday, June 2.
The problem is ground-level ozone. According to a statement from the Illinois EPA, “Ground-level ozone is formed when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial sources, react in the presence of sunlight.”
People with respiratory or pulmonary disorders are encouraged to take special precautions and follow the regimen prescribed by their doctors.
“All residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air quality is low. Possible symptoms related to sensitive groups impacted by low air quality include coughing or shortness of breath,” said the Illinois EPA in a statement on Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, warm weather will continue in Central Illinois on Friday with a chance for thunderstorms mainly west of I-55. Temperatures will top out in the 89-93 degree range.
The Illinois EPA recommends that people consider taking public transit, ridesharing, biking, and reducing driving. Also, reduce energy demands and the use of gasoline-powered equipment during the day.
.@ILEPA has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for Friday, 6/2. Current conditions are contributing to increased ground-level ozone. Residents are encouraged to use caution as air quality is expected to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. See details at: https://t.co/ARy63av3j5 pic.twitter.com/1JFFG4YBKF
— Illinois EPA (@ILEPA) June 1, 2023
Aside from fizzling convection this evening, warm weather continues with a chance for thunderstorms mainly west of I-55 tomorrow. Aside from a a slight chance for showers Monday into Tuesday, the forecast looks dry. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/WqBQtM6arH
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) June 1, 2023