Millions Across 5 States Told to Avoid Driving, Delay Errands

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Air quality alerts were in effect for parts of Michigan, New Mexico, Missouri, Illinois, and California early on Tuesday, with authorities advising residents to take steps to reduce air pollution.
Why It Matters
Experts warn that poor air quality increases health risks for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
What To Know
In New Mexico, areas downstream of the Trout fire in Grant County, including the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35 and along Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo, were expected to experience periods of hazardous air quality due to smoke from the blaze.
"Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion," officials warned. "People with respiratory disease such as asthma, should remain indoors."
An air quality alert was issued for the St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri, with Illinois areas such as Madison, Saint Clair, and Monroe also affected.
The alert cautioned that ozone concentrations were expected to reach levels that could cause a health risk, noting that the ground-level contaminant could trigger breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as those with respiratory issues.
"If it is a regularly scheduled work day, you are urged to consider telecommuting, carpooling, or utilizing public transit," read the alert, which also said drivers should avoid excessive idling and topping off when refueling motor vehicles.
In Michigan—including the counties of Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren—potentially unhealthy ozone concentrations were also expected on Tuesday.
Residents here were also urged to avoid activities that contribute to ozone formation. Suggestions included driving less, as well as delaying or combining errands.
Meanwhile, another air quality alert, prompted by windblown dust, was also in effect for California's Coachella Valley until 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels.
"Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the alert for New Mexico was in effect until 3 p.m., and the alert for the St. Louis metropolitan area was in place until 8 p.m.
Forecasts are sometimes subject to change, with agencies such as the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing regular updates.

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