Jul 30, 2021

NWS issues degraded air quality statement for Panhandle

Posted Jul 30, 2021 3:16 PM

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

Including the cities of Chadron, Chadron St Park, Alliance, Hemingford, Scottsbluff, Gering, Harrisburg, Angora, Bridgeport, Bayard, Redington, Kimball, Sidney, Brownson, Harrison, and Agate

...DEGRADED AIR QUALITY UNTIL 8PM MDT FRIDAY...

The following message is transmitted in collaboration with the Nebraska Emergency Management Office through 8 PM Friday.

WHAT...Degraded air quality from smoke from western wildfires.

WHERE...All Nebraska Panhandle counties.

WHEN...Through 8 PM ADT Friday evening

IMPACTS...Heavy smoke from western wildfires will continue over the Nebraska Panhandle through at least Thursday morning.

HEALTH INFORMATION...Recommended the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effect. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, we advise that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions.