Central, North Central Texas Seeing Increasing Smoke Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Ft. Worth Impacted
Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America was increasing rapidly in the Central and North Central parts of Texas as of midday Thursday, as southerly winds continued to push the smoke into the state. Some monitoring sites in the Austin, San Antonio and Dallas-Ft.Worth areas reached the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality index level Thursday, and other parts of the state could also reach this level intermittently over the next several days. A weak cool front could bring some relief from the smoke in North and Central Texas late Saturday and Sunday, but is forecast to move back to the north on Tuesday, allowing the smoke to return.
Air quality levels in parts of South Texas remained in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, and it is possible some sites, particularly in that region, could reach the "unhealthy" level over the next few days.
The Texas Department of Health (TDH) advises residents to be aware of smoke levels in their areas, recognize their own health status and that of family members, and take common-sense precautions to reduce the effects of the smoke. For most people, the smoke will be only an aggravation or irritant, but people with heart problems, allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions may suffer more severe effects. Children, the elderly and pregnant women should be especially cautious. Be aware of local smoke levels and stay indoors when smoke is present at higher levels. Set air conditioning units, if possible, to recirculate mode. Limit outdoor activities and the physical stress level of those activities as warranted by local conditions. Limit other actions that can contribute to poorer air quality, such as outdoor burning, grilling or use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment. For more information from the TDH, see their Web site at www.tdh.state.tx.us