Air Quality Alert Message

Full Alert Message

Air Quality Alert Message Relayed by National Weather Service Medford OR 1229 PM PDT Thu Aug 6 2026 ...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM FRIDAY... Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Jackson County...in effect until 2 PM PDT Friday. Smoke and ozone pollution in the Rogue Valley may reach levels unhealthy to for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high. DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during this time. Recommendations include: * Limit driving by using public transportation, carpooling, or other alternative transportation. * Avoid unnecessary engine idling. * Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours. * Postpone yard work that uses gasoline-powered equipment. * Postpone painting and aerosol spray products. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. Smog irritates the eyes nose and lungs and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms worsen. Ozone forms when hot temperatures combine with pollution from cars, gas powered engines, paints, and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze. Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during the afternoons and evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org