The Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex) continue to experience ozone season and this Friday, the Atmospheric Monitoring System reported that air quality is poor to very poorin addition to the fact that very strong winds are expected that could increase pollutant concentrations for the remainder of the afternoon.
It is worth remembering that throughout April, May and June, the ozone levels in the ambient air reach risk concentrations practically every day, between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., so the possibility that the authorities activate the Environmental Contingency and, therefore, the Double Not Circulating Today for Saturday, April 20.
How bad is the air quality this Friday, April 19?
In the 2:00 p.m. report, the Air Quality Index of CDMX registered a VERY BAD air quality in the Venustiano Carranza mayor’s office, with a very high health risk. For the rest of the capital and its metropolitan area, the index remains BAD to ACCEPTABLE with a moderate risk for the population.
According to the latest monitoring, the index remains at 115 points at the Camarones station, with suspended particles PM10, PM2.5 and O3 (ozone).
In addition to the above, the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (Sedema) alerted by the presence of strong winds (more than 35 km/h) this Friday afternoon, whose increase in speed could cause a significant increase in PM10 concentrations.
Among the recommendations of Sedema, the population is asked to:
- Avoid walking near trees, power lines, fences or structures under construction.
- Remove objects that may fall or be blown by the wind.
- Find a safe place to shelter.
How long is the ozone season?
The ozone seasonaccording to Sedema, begins in the last week of February and ends in June with the first rains.
During this period, ozone levels in the air can reach very high concentrations most of the time, mainly in the afternoons. While the most affected municipalities are generally those located south of Mexico City.
The ozone season mainly affects the children population, older adults and to people with respiratory diseases from mild to chronic, so these groups are recommended not to go out to do outdoor activities.
