Unhealthy Air Alert Issued In Worcester, Middlesex Counties

WORCESTER, MA — The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality warning for the region, with ozone levels expected to reach unhealthy levels alongside stifling heat and humidity.

MassDEP said groups including the elderly, children, and people with lung and heart issues are most at risk Tuesday, and should avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

"Fine particle levels should average in the good to moderate range on Tuesday. Ozone levels will likely average in the unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG) range in some west-central, central, eastern, and northeastern areas of the State. Good to moderate range ozone levels are expected in southeast areas of the State and far northwest areas," Tuesday's air quality forecast said.

The air quality advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday in parts of Hampden and Hampshire counties, southern Worcester County, central and southeastern Middlesex County and Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk Counties, according to MassDEP.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued another heat advisory for the area on Tuesday. Heat index values could reach up to 99 in the same area covered by the air quality advisory.