An air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service on Friday at 10:11 a.m. in effect until 5 p.m. for the Eastern Plains.

The NWS adds to prepare for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust.”

“Very strong winds will create areas of blowing dust across the advisory area. The threat for blowing dust will taper off during the late afternoon hours,” states the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Weld County

• Morgan County

• Lincoln County

• Phillips County

• Logan County

• Sedgwick County

• Washington County

Air quality alerts: Recommendations from the NWS

When an air quality alert is in effect, following the NWS guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips from the NWS for safeguarding your well-being:

Prioritize indoor stay:

Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic

Curb outdoor exposure:

When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.

Reduce pollution contributors:

Be mindful of activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using other motorized vehicles. Limit their use during air quality alerts.

A no to open burning:

Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. Such practices only contribute to heightened air pollution.

Stay well-informed:

Keep yourself well-informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying in the loop empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor engagements during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health caution:

If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.

By adhering to the recommendations from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else.

Source: The National Weather Service