INDIANAPOLIS — A Knozone Action Day has been issued for Thursday as a continued stretch of high heat could lead to unsafe air quality.
What does a Knozone Action Day mean?
This is issued when the Air Quality Index climbs into the "orange zone," meaning the air quality is at an unhealthy level for sensitive individuals including children, older adults, those who are pregnant, outdoor laborers, and anyone suffering from asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart disease or other conditions that are at a greater risk. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability says nearly 1 in 5 community members fall into this category.
Why is the air quality expected to be unsafe tomorrow?
Thursday will bring a combination of high air temperatures and low wind, which makes conditions suitable for ozone development. Ground-level ozone is created when chemical reactions occur between sunlight and hydrocarbons from emission sources, such as gas-powered vehicles and lawn mowers. While the ozone layer high in the atmosphere helps protect us from the sun's rays, ozone near the surface is dangerous to breathe.
What should we do during Knozone Action Days?
Sensitive groups should remain indoors as much as possible on these days, especially in the afternoon as emissions are lowest in the morning hours. There are ways you can reduce your emissions by:
- Avoid vehicle idling, including sitting in drive-thru lanes
- Drive less: carpool, bike or walk instead
- Combine errands and reduce trips
- Wait to refuel, and wait to use gas-powered lawn equipment until temperatures cool in the evening
TODAY: Highs in the mid-90s, miserable dew points in the low 70s, light southwest breeze, mainly sunny
The heat streak keeps temperatures in the mid-90s through Saturday. A boundary set to arrive midday Sunday will bring a chance of a few storms, but then, a slight break from the high humidity on Monday. This won't last long as heat looks to build back in starting Tuesday.
