Ozone Action Day
DETROIT (WWJ) - Another scorcher of a day is on tap throughout Metro Detroit, and there's a heat advisory in effect because of the steamy weather until midnight.
Wednesday also marks the season's first Ozone Action Day.
WWJ's Ron Dewey reports that this is a voluntary program instituted by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to reduce ground-level pollution -- smog -- which can pose a hazard to children, the elderly and others with respiratory issues, like asthma. What SEMCOG is asking the community to do on Ozone Action Days, if at all possible, is to not refuel the car during the day -- or at the very least -- wait until the evening hours when it's cooler; and when you do, avoid topping off the tank after the spigot shuts off because that can release even more gas vapors into the air.
Other suggestions from SEMCOG: reduce the amount of driving today; leave the car at home. And, wait another day to cut the grass with a gas-powered lawnmower.
According to SEMCOG, this is the earliest Ozone Action Day since 1999.
Meanwhile, a heat advisory remains in effect throughout the day Wednesday. Click here for further details.
Cooling centers are open across Metro Detroit. Click here for a complete list.
For the updated weather forecast, listen to WWJ Newsradio 950 for updates around the clock on the 8s. You can also click here to be directed to our weather page.
