TODAY, Tuesday: high heat and autos lead to UNHEALTHY ground level ozone pollution.

Until 8 PM Wednesday, Charlestown is under a heat advisory

By Will Collette

Source: National Weather Service 7-Day Forecast 41.38N 71.66W

Please watch out for the heat for the next few days and, if you have respiratory problems, try to stay in air conditioning. 

Combined heat and humidity will produce heat index values between 95 and 100 degrees.

This heat will combine with drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires, plus automobile emissions to produce air over Charlestown ranging from "moderate" (which is not good) to "unhealthy" tomorrow.

As you can see in the table below, DEM gives its forecast for both ground level ozone (vehicle-related) and fine particles (usually smoke-related).

The air quality forecast is pretty much in synch with the hot weather forecast.

Be careful out there.

Source: Air Quality Forecast | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

TUESDAY ALERT: 

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) forecasts that air quality will reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups due to elevated ground-level ozone on Tuesday, July 29. This alert is being issued for Washington and Newport Counties only.

Key Details:

• The highest ozone levels are expected in southern portions of Rhode Island at the immediate coastline.
• Peak levels begin late afternoon continuing well into the evening after sunset.
• Fine particles continue to be elevated, with moderate readings due to Canadian wildfire smoke.

Health Impacts:

Unhealthy ozone levels may cause:

• Throat irritation, coughing, and chest pain.
• Shortness of breath and increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Worsening of asthma and other lung conditions - particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Recommended actions:

• Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. 

• Take frequent breaks and choose less strenuous activities. 

• Monitor for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

• People with asthma or lung conditions should follow their action plans and carry quick-relief medications.

• Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when ozone levels are lowest and typically good on the Air Quality index.

Stay Informed:

Air quality can change throughout the day. To stay informed, download the AirNOW app or visit www.airnow.gov for real-time updates and forecasts.

Additional information is also available on DEM’s air quality forecast page at www.dem.ri.gov/airquality.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.