JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville issued an air quality advisory through the end of the weekend due to “elevated levels of particulate matter” that could be unhealthy for people with certain medical conditions.
“The dust storm from the Sahara has reached Florida and is contributing to elevated Particulate Matter concentrations,” said the advisory.
People with heart or lung disease, children, teens and elderly people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities or consider moving activities indoors.
Just got text and call from the @CityofJax about this air quality advisory. #SaharanDust #FirstAlertWx @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews https://t.co/mYhrHgCRT9
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) June 27, 2020
People without medical conditions that make them more sensitive to dust in the air are still advised to shorten their active time outdoors this weekend.
First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh said the particulate matter in the air is mostly caused by upper level high pressure, stagnant air and light winds. The Saharan dust storm is also a possible contributor, according to Buresh.
The storms that prompted severe thunderstorm warnings across northeast Florida have helped improve air quality later Saturday evening.
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