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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Alexandria's air quality is forecast to brush the edge of the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range Tuesday, with ground-level ozone driving readings as temperatures climb into the mid-90s.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality forecasts an Air Quality Index of 97 for Tuesday — four points below the threshold that triggers an orange-level alert and the cautions that come with it. Tuesday's National Weather Service forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees, conditions that accelerate the chemical reactions that form ground-level ozone.
Today's AQI is 84, also in the moderate (yellow) range with ozone as the primary pollutant. The forecast eases slightly to 80 on Wednesday before dropping to 53 on Thursday, when fine particulate matter takes over as the lead pollutant.
The AQI is a color-coded scale running from green (good, 0-50) through yellow (moderate, 51-100), orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups, 101-150), red (unhealthy, 151-200), purple (very unhealthy, 201-300) and maroon (hazardous, 301+). An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the level of the national air quality standard set by the EPA to protect public health; values above 100 are considered unhealthy, at first for sensitive groups and then for everyone as readings climb.
At moderate levels, AirNow advises that people who are unusually sensitive to ozone should consider reducing their activity level or shortening time spent outdoors. Sensitive groups include people with asthma or other lung conditions, older adults, children and people who are active outdoors.
City participating in Air Quality Action Days
The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is participating in Air Quality Action Days from May through September, a regional effort that encourages residents to take simple steps to cut emissions when air quality is forecast to deteriorate.
The city recommends a handful of small actions: walking, biking or riding DASH and other regional bus services rather than driving; waiting until evening or a cooler day to mow the lawn; and carpooling to work. Residents can also sign up to receive free Air Quality Action Day alerts.
"Individual actions can help reduce the release of harmful emissions," the city said in announcing this year's program.
More information, including the Clean Air Partners Action Guide and instructions for signing up for alerts, is available at alexandriava.gov/AirQuality. Real-time AQI readings and forecasts are at airnow.gov.
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