Kansas City area under first ozone alert of the year Sunday, officials say

An ozone orange alert is in effect across the Kansas City metro area Sunday, meaning an unhealthy level of ground-level ozone is expected.

The air quality index for the day will remain between 101 and 150, meaning adults and children, especially those with respiratory illnesses like asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activities.

If you must be outside, Skycast recommends limiting activities to before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

To reduce their impact on the ozone, Kansas City-area residents should avoid fueling their vehicles with gasoline and using gas-powered lawn mowers during the alert. The organization also recommends driving less by postponing uneccessary trips, carpooling or using public transit.