Why Texas Is Under an NWS Air Pollution Advisory Today

The National Weather Service has issued an Ozone Action Day for Friday. The alert affects millions of residents in the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria areas. Dallas-Fort Worth is also under a similar air quality advisory.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) confirmed the alert. Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution. Officials are urging the public to take precautions.

Residents Urged to Reduce Pollution-Causing Activities

To minimize the impact, the NWS advises cutting down on driving and other polluting activities. Sharing a ride, walking, or biking are strongly recommended. Avoiding drive-through lanes and conserving energy at home can also help.

According to the official NWS alert, keeping vehicles properly tuned is another key step. These measures aim to reduce the emissions that contribute to ozone formation. The goal is to protect public health during this period of elevated risk.

The advisory is specifically for Friday, September 26, 2025. The stagnant air conditions are not expected to disperse the pollutants quickly. This makes public cooperation essential.

Understanding the Health Risks of Ground-Level Ozone

Ozone high in the atmosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation. But at ground level, it becomes a dangerous pollutant. It is not emitted directly but forms from chemical reactions.

Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham explained the process to Newsweek. He said these reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures. Stagnant air allows the ozone to build up to unhealthy concentrations.

Breathing high levels of ozone can cause significant health problems. Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma are at greatest risk. It can lead to coughing, throat irritation, and worsened breathing difficulties.

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Separate Alerts in Washington State

Meanwhile, Washington state is facing a different air quality challenge. The NWS has issued an alert for Chelan and Douglas Counties due to wildfire smoke. This smoke leads to high concentrations of dangerous particulate matter, known as PM2.5.

Residents there have been advised to stay indoors when possible. They should also avoid strenuous outdoor activity. An earlier alert for Okanogan County has since been lifted.

The situation underscores the varied air quality threats across the nation. Texans are urged to heed the Ozone Action Day warnings for their safety.

Info at your fingertips

What is an Ozone Action Day?

An Ozone Action Day is a public health alert. It is issued when weather conditions are likely to produce high levels of ground-level ozone. The goal is to encourage people to reduce activities that contribute to pollution.

Who is most at risk from poor air quality?

Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are most vulnerable. These groups should limit their time outdoors during an air quality alert.

What are the symptoms of ozone exposure?

Exposure can cause coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It can also aggravate asthma and other lung diseases.

How does ozone form at ground level?

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles and industry react in sunlight. Heat and stagnant air accelerate this chemical process, leading to unhealthy buildup.

Is the air quality alert still active for Okanogan County, Washington?

No. The air quality alert for Okanogan County due to wildfire smoke has been lifted. The alert remains in effect for Chelan and Douglas Counties.

Trusted Sources: National Weather Service, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Newsweek.