Smog Alert Remains in Effect

A smog alert continues to be in effect for the tri-state today.

Air pollution levels are expected to be in the range that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, the Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky Regional Council of Governments said Sunday. People with respiratory problems, children and the elderly should remain indoors during the alert.

Smog is caused when hot, dry air bakes pollutants in the air, creating an environment that can be troublesome for some people. The smog season in the tri-state typically runs from April through October, with the warm summer months being the most dangerous.

Christin Mills, a meteorologist at the Wilmington Office of the National Weather Service, said a weather pattern dominated by high pressure from the East caused the current conditions.

Mills said a cold front is expected to move in by midweek, giving the area a chance for rain on Wednesday and cooler temperatures by week’s end.

For the next couple of days we can expect high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s, cooling off to the 70s after the front passes through.

OKI said residents can take steps to improve air quality, including postponing lawn mowing until after 6 p.m., carpooling, and riding public transportation, such as Metro or TANK. Walking, biking or combining trips, proper vehicle maintenance, and conservation of electricity are also recommended, according to OKI.

The alert, which began Sunday, should expire after today. For more information, visit the Web site www.doyourshare.org, or call (800)621-SMOG.