The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issues daily ozone forecasts from April 1 to October 31 for DeSoto County, the Jackson Metro area, and the Gulf Coast. These forecasts keep residents and industries apprised of the current ozone conditions and alert them if an Air Quality Action Day is predicted. They are updated and available daily via the MDEQ website MDEQ website, MDEQ Twitter account, and also daily emails.
Air Quality Action Days are days when ozone levels are forecast to exceed the standard and when residents and industries can adjust behavior to reduce air pollution. For individuals that includes carpooling, reducing idling, and postponing vehicle refueling and lawn maintenance until evening hours. On these days sensitive groups, such as children and adults with asthma or lung disease, are advised to reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
