The National Weather Service in Memphis issued an update today, advising that residents in parts of Shelby County, Tennessee, Crittenden County, Arkansas, and DeSoto County, Mississippi, including the City of Memphis, will be facing codes orange level ozone values. The forecast detailed a sunny and hot day ahead with highs reaching up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, shifting into a partly cloudy evening with lows settling around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, as per the National Weather Service.
With the heat index reaching up to 78°F in the face of calm southwestern winds, the Shelby County Health Department has recommended that sensitive groups such as active children and adults, along with individuals with respiratory diseases like asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. The ozone forecast remains in effect through sunset today due to levels anticipated to breach the Environmental Protection Agency's federal safe health standard. This ozone forecast is due to forecasted ozone values that will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, said the Shelby County Health Department in a statement that also encouraged the public to remain informed on the latest air quality forecasts and updates.
Looking ahead, the weather outlook for the remainder of the week anticipates a pattern of sunny highs and partly cloudy lows, with a steadily climbing chance of showers and thunderstorms towards the weekend. Thursday's forecast suggests a 20 percent likelihood of precipitation following a scorcher high near 97 degrees, while Friday shows a 50 percent chance of showers amidst partly sunny skies and a high tipping at 93 degrees. Evenings for both days are expected to offer some nocturnal respite with lows hovering in the mid-70s.
The Shelby County Health Department advises residents in the affected areas to pay close attention to air quality levels as the week progresses, with the forecast predicting varying chances of showers and thunderstorms likely affecting the atmosphere. If conditions persist, individuals with particular sensitivity to air quality should continue to take caution, especially during Labor Day when partly sunny conditions coupled with a 20 percent chance of rain could further impact ozone levels.
