The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert through Noon Sunday. Wildfire smoke may be impacting many with respiratory issues.
...AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR WILDFIRE SMOKE THROUGH NOON SUNDAY... The following message is transmitted in collaboration with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division, and the Wyoming Department of Health. * WHAT...Air Quality Alert for Wildfire Smoke. * WHERE...Big Horn, Hot Springs, Fremont, Johnson, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton, and Washakie counties. * WHEN...Until 1200 PM Sunday September 20. IMPACTS...Thick smoke from wildfires in other states has been observed across much of western and central Wyoming. The smoky conditions are expected to last through mid-day Sunday. A change in the upper level pattern is expected to improve conditions slightly in some areas this afternoon, but will fill back in as our next weather system brings more smoke with it. HEALTH INFORMATION...It is recommended by the Wyoming Department of Health that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions. CURRENT CONDITIONS...The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division offers near real-time air quality data for Wyoming's monitoring stations and health effects information to help the public interpret current conditions. Current air quality conditions across the state of Wyoming can be found at http://www.wyvisnet.com/.