With the temperature expected to reach near 90 degrees today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has issued an Air Quality Alert for elevated levels of Ozone.
The alert area includes Hillsdale, Branch, Saint Joseph, Cass & Berrien Counties.
Pollutants are expected to be in the “unhealthy” range, which will especially affect those with respiratory ailments, including asthma.
Residents and businesses are urged to avoid activities that can cause ozone formation, including: topping off when refueling your vehicle, using gasoline powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid.
Officials recommend car pooling, delaying or combining errands and limiting outdoor exertion.
Cooler temperatures are in the forecast for next week.