Seasonal suspension of daily ozone forecasts as of 10/15; Particle pollution forecasts continue year-round

As we enter fall, days grow shorter and temperatures cool. And ground-level ozone concentrations remain in the good or, at worst, moderate range. As a result, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will suspend daily ground-level ozone forecasts for Richmond, Hampton Roads, Winchester and Roanoke as of October 15th. However, daily air quality forecasts for particle pollution will continue through the fall, winter and spring for Richmond, Hampton Roads, Roanoke and Winchester. Ozone forecasts for Richmond, Roanoke, Winchester and Hampton Roads will resume in Spring 2011 when warmer, ozone-conducive weather returns.

Dan Salkovitz
Meteorologist
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 698-4404 Fax: (804) 698-4510
Phone toll-free in Virginia: (1-800) 592-5482 ext. 4404
Work Email: Daniel.Salkovitz@deq.virginia.gov
Other Email: dsalkovi@yahoo.com
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/
Access the Air Quality Assessments Webpage:
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/air/assessments

As of 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 23rd, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Richmond area based upon the current ground-level ozone concentrations is in the Code Orange range (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/). Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit strenuous outdoor activities through this evening.

DEQ recommends that people take these voluntary steps:
-- Avoid unnecessary car trips. Combine errands.
-- Share a ride or use public transportation.
-- Limit or halt use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and solvents.
-- Avoid excessive engine idling.
-- Telecommute.
-- Conserve electricity.
-- Avoid burning yard debris or brush.

Kristen Olsen
VA Dept. of Environmental Quality

As of 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 1st, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Richmond area based upon the current ground-level ozone concentrations is in the Code Orange range (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/). Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit strenuous outdoor activities through this evening.

DEQ recommends that people take these voluntary steps:
-- Avoid unnecessary car trips. Combine errands.
-- Share a ride or use public transportation.
-- Limit or halt use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and solvents.
-- Avoid excessive engine idling.
-- Telecommute.
-- Conserve electricity.
-- Avoid burning yard debris or brush.

Dan Salkovitz
VADEQ Meteorologist

As of 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 31st, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Richmond area based upon the current ground-level ozone concentrations has deteriorated to the Code Red range (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/). Active children and adults should limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

DEQ recommends that people take these voluntary steps:
-- Avoid unnecessary car trips. Combine errands.
-- Share a ride or use public transportation.
-- Limit or halt use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and solvents.
-- Avoid excessive engine idling.
-- Telecommute.
-- Conserve electricity.
-- Avoid burning yard debris or brush.

Dan Salkovitz
VADEQ Meteorologist

As of 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 31st, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Richmond area based upon the current ground-level ozone concentrations is in the Code Orange range (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/). Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit strenuous outdoor activities through this evening.

DEQ recommends that people take these voluntary steps:
-- Avoid unnecessary car trips. Combine errands.
-- Share a ride or use public transportation.
-- Limit or halt use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and solvents.
-- Avoid excessive engine idling.
-- Telecommute.
-- Conserve electricity.
-- Avoid burning yard debris or brush.

Dan Salkovitz
VADEQ Meteorologist