MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Friday will likely be the hottest day of the year so far in Memphis, and air quality could also be a concern.
The Shelby County Health Department says high levels of ozone will make the air unhealthy for people with breathing conditions, like asthma or COPD. Ozone can also cause breathing issues for active children and those over 65. If you fall into this category, officials recommend limiting your time outside, especially in the afternoon hours.
Even if you don't have a breathing condition, high ozone levels can still cause itchy, watery eyes and irritation to your throat and lungs. To help reduce the amount of ozone, wait to get gas until after sunset, combine errands into as few trips as possible, and try to carpool or use mass transit.
MATA offers reduced transit fares of 25 cents on Code Orange air quality alert days.
