City of Jacksonville issues air quality advisory

High levels of ozone projected

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville's Regulatory Compliance Department has issued an air quality advisory as elevated levels of ozone may occur Tuesday.

Warm and dry weather conditions could contribute to the elevated ozone concentrations, officials said.

"When we get the weather in such cases as your meteorologist noted, we get this type of combination along with great sunshine, you have ozone being formed," said Steve Pace, air quality manager for the city.

Children, the elderly and sensitive individuals should take steps to avoid exposure by staying inside or refraining from strenuous outdoor activity. If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) can be helpful.

In addition, outdoor activities should be planned for times when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening.

The city's Environmental Quality Division maintains a dedicated website that includes the most up-to-date Air Quality Index information for the city.