Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued for Birmingham Area on Saturday

A Code Orange air quality alert will be in effect on Saturday for Jefferson and Shelby counties.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) announced that ground-level ozone concentrations could reach levels high enough to impact sensitive groups, including people with respiratory conditions and children. The general public is not expected to be affected.

An area of high pressure will bring very hot temperatures and light winds to Alabama on Saturday, conditions that could keep pollutants closer to the ground. Highs are expected to peak in the mid- to upper 90s in the Birmingham metro area.

Here’s the forecast for Saturday for all of Alabama:

ADEM provides the following recommendations for air quality alert days:

• Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
• Limit driving and combine errands.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Refuel vehicles after 6 p.m.
• Limit engine idling.