Air Quality Alert in Effect

By Y.M. Lowy

Williamsburg residents woke up to hazy skies this morning, as the National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for today, in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ground-level ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels this afternoon and evening. Ozone is a gas that forms when sunlight mixes with pollution from cars and factories. High levels can make it hard to breathe, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other lung problems. 

The haze is made worse by smoke drifting in from wildfires burning in Canada, which adds to the poor air conditions. Health officials are urging those at risk to stay indoors and avoid heavy activity outside.