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Heat, high ozone levels combine for air quality concerns Wednesday

Posted at 1:29 PM, Jul 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-18 14:10:11-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- The high temperatures and increasing ground-level ozone levels mean Wednesday will be a Knozone Action Day in Indianapolis. 

This means the air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive people, like active children, elderly and anybody with lung disease. Those affected should avoid spending a lot of time outside.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. That's why the problems are more prevalent during the warmer months of the year. 

Wednesday will be one of the hottest days of the summer so far, with highs in the 90s and heat index values near 100. Heat index is what the temperature feels like to your body when humidity is combined with the temperature. 

WEATHER | Interactive radar | 7-day forecast | Hour-by-hour

IMPD Homeland Security recommends the following precautions for extreme heat:

  • Drink more water than usual
  • Avoid alcohol and drinks with high amounts of sugar
  • Limit extraneous activity or exercise
  • Stay inside in A/C as much as possible
  • Get cool at libraries, shopping centers and community centers
You can reduce your contributions to ground-level ozone by doing the following:
  • Reduce vehicle idling, including in drive-thru lanes
  • Use active forms of transportation (walking, biking or public transportation)
  • Fill gas tanks and mow grass after 7 p.m.

For more information on what a Knozone Action Day is, click here