Thursday Will Be First 'Ozone Action' Day of 2012

It's going to be a hot one Thursday.

So warm, in fact, Thursday will be the first official Ozone Action day of the year, according to SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments that created the voluntary program designed to keep the air clean. 

This is the first time since 1999 that an Ozone Action day has been called in May, according to the agency.

According to the National Weather Service a combination of sunshine, high pressure and a southerly wind flow will allow ozone levels to increase. Highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s are predicted.

Here are some tips to help keep the air clean, according to SEMCOG:

• Try not to refuel. If you need to refuel, fill up in the evening when the weather is cooler and don’t top off the tank.
• Reduce automobile use. Plan to carpool, use public transit, walk, or work at home.
• Relax: Choose the lawn chair over the lawn mower.

Additional information on Ozone Action Days is available on www.semcog.org.