IDEM forecasts Air Quality Action Day for Thursday in Central/East Central Indiana region

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Thursday, June 12. Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following area:

• Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area.

Hot temperatures, sunny skies and light winds are expected on Thursday as high pressure pushes east of the area and will lead to conditions that are suitable for ozone development when combined with wildfire smoke and other emission sources.

Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:

• View Air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
• Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
• Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
• Sign up for air quality alerts.

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. 

Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.