Tennessee Air Quality Forecast Program

03/26/2026

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is issuing a PM2.5 Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), valid for today, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Ambient air monitors in the Chattanooga area are measuring elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations due to smoke from fires in the region.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day, take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Air quality can change quickly. Keep track of your local air quality at https://www.airnow.gov and learn more about the AQI color scale here: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

03/06/2026

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is issuing a PM2.5 Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), valid for today, Friday, March 6, 2026.

Ambient air monitors in the Chattanooga area are measuring elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations due to smoke from fires in the region. TDEC will continue monitoring the values through today and the weekend and will issue alerts daily as needed.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day, take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Air quality can change quickly. Keep track of your local air quality at https://www.airnow.gov and learn more about the AQI color scale here: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/.

03/05/2026

We’ve received reports of heavy smoke in the Chattanooga area this evening, and air quality monitors on both sides of the Tennessee–Georgia border are currently showing elevated AQI values.

The smoke is most likely associated with a ~1,000 acre prescribed burn being conducted by the Georgia Forestry Commission in Walker County, GA. Smoke from large burns can travel and settle in nearby areas depending on winds and overnight conditions.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, while the general public is less likely to be affected. Those who are sensitive to smoke may want to consider limiting outdoor activity overnight.

Smoke impacts could persist through the evening. TDEC will continue monitoring air quality conditions and will assess whether any air quality alerts are needed.

Georgia Forestry will be conducting several prescribed burns in Walker County today. Burns are planned on 1,000 acres near 332 Blue Hole Rd; 1,004 acres near Forest Service Rd 231, and 20 acres near 655 Walnut Grove. Smoke will be visible in these areas.

01/22/2026

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is issuing a PM2.5 Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), valid for today, Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Ambient air monitors in the Chattanooga area are measuring elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations due to smoke from regional fires that settled near the surface during overnight hours.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day, take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Keep track of your local air quality at https://www.airnow.gov and learn more about the AQI color scale here: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

09/18/2025

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is issuing an Ozone Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), valid for tomorrow, Friday, September 19, 2025.

Ground-level ozone values remain elevated across parts of Tennessee and the surrounding states. Another hot, sunny, dry, and stagnant day tomorrow could push ozone into the Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) Air Quality Index (AQI) range in the Nashville area.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day, take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Keep track of your local air quality at https://www.airnow.gov and learn more about the AQI color scale here: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/.

09/17/2025

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is issuing an Ozone Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), valid for tomorrow, Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Ground-level ozone values have been on the rise across several states in our region over the past few days. Another hot, sunny, dry, and stagnant day tomorrow could push ozone into the Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) Air Quality Index (AQI) range in the Nashville area.

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day, take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Keep track of your local air quality at https://www.airnow.gov and learn more about the AQI color scale here: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/.

07/03/2025

Hot, dry, and sunny weather is in the forecast for the 4th of July, Friday, and the weekend.

These conditions can lead to increased ground-level ozone, pushing air quality into the Yellow (Moderate) or Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) Air Quality Index (AQI) categories.

Fireworks celebrations can also raise particulate matter levels, especially overnight and into the following morning.

AQI Basics for Ozone and Particle Pollution
Green (0–50): Good
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk.

Yellow (51–100): Moderate
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Orange (101–150): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
People with lung disease (such as asthma), children and teens, older adults, and those who are active outdoors for six or more hours a day may experience health effects.
Recommendations include:
• Choosing less strenuous activities
• Reducing time spent outdoors
• Planning outdoor activity when air quality is better

Stay informed! Check real-time air quality in your area at www.AirNow.gov or by downloading the AirNow mobile app. Air quality conditions can change quickly, so it's smart to check before heading outside.

Sign up for email alerts at www.enviroflash.info

06/11/2025

Ozone levels are rising across parts of Tennessee this afternoon.

While most of the state remains in the Moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) range, parts of Nashville have reached the Orange AQI category, meaning air quality may be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

The most recent hourly estimate of ozone in Nashville reached 101 AQI.

People with lung disease (such as asthma), children and teens, older adults, and those who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day should consider the following:
• Choose less strenuous activities
• Shorten the amount of time spent outdoors
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better

Stay up to date with your local conditions at www.airnow.gov
Sign up for email updates at www.enviroflash.info

05/08/2025

Air Quality Awareness Week – Today’s Topic: Air, Animals and Plants

Air pollution doesn’t just affect people — it harms animals, plants, and entire ecosystems. Pollutants in the air can travel long distances, depositing into water, soil, and forests, and disrupting the delicate balance of life.

What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living things — plants, animals, and microorganisms — interacting with their physical environment, including the air, water, and soil. When air pollution impacts one part of an ecosystem, it affects everything else in that system.

🌧️ How air pollution affects nature:
• Nitrogen pollution causes excess algae growth, harming water quality and aquatic species
• Ozone damages leaves and reduces plant growth, weakening forest health and biodiversity
• Mercury and other toxins can build up in food chains through a process called biomagnification, threatening wildlife health

🌿 Why it matters for Tennessee and beyond:
Our forests, rivers, farms, and wildlife habitats all depend on clean air. Ozone can weaken crop yields and reduce forest resilience. And airborne pollutants can travel across states and impact even remote areas.

🧠 Learn more and explore resources:

📘 EPA Ecosystems & Air Quality Research
https://www.epa.gov/eco-research
📊 Our Nation’s Air – Air Trends Report
https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport/2024/

🎮 Fun & educational activities for students and families:
🌼 EPA Pollinator Protection Activities: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection
🦋 Nature’s Benefits: The Card Game: https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/natures-benefits-card-game
🐟 EPA Kids Activity Book – How EPA Protects the Environment: https://www.epa.gov/students/lesson-plans-teacher-guides-and-online-resources-educators

The air we breathe affects more than our lungs. It’s also key to healthy forests, clean water, and thriving wildlife. Let’s protect ecosystems by staying air aware.

05/07/2025

Air Quality Awareness Week – Today’s Topic: Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that we spend about 90% of our time indoors? While outdoor air pollution can enter your home and impact your indoor air quality, there are also sources of indoor air pollution.

Why indoor air quality matters:
Air pollution indoors can come from mold, cleaning products, smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, and fumes from nearby sources. A properly designed and operating heating and cooling system can separate and remove contaminants through pressure control, filtration, and exhaust fans.

Children are especially vulnerable to indoor air pollution. Exposure can lead to:
· Asthma attacks
· Wheezing and cough
· Shortness of breath
· Headaches
· Eye irritation
· Shortness of breath
· Susceptibility to infections

🧰 Helpful Tools and Resources:

✅ EPA Indoor Air Quality in Schools
https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools
✅ EPA Healthy Child Care Resources
https://www.epa.gov/childcare
✅ Interactive Indoor Air Quality House
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/interactive-tour-indoor-air-quality-demo-house
✅ Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/guide-air-cleaners-home
✅ Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture
https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
✅ EPA Tools for Schools Action Kit
https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-tools-schools-action-kit

05/06/2025

Air Quality Awareness Week – Today’s Topic: Asthma and Your Health

Today is World Asthma Day, and May is Asthma Awareness Month. In Tennessee, many families are affected by asthma, and air quality plays a major role in managing this condition.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a serious lung disease. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and tightness and coughing. Asthma can even cause death. About 20 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. In Tennessee, according to 2016 statistics, some 86,911 children aged 0–17 had asthma.

What you can do:

Identify and avoid your asthma triggers

Follow an asthma action plan created with your doctor

Keep indoor air clean and avoid secondhand smoke, dust mites, and mold

Monitor outdoor air quality, especially during ozone alerts or smoky conditions

📚 Learn more with these resources:
✅ Tennessee Department of Health – Asthma Information:
https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-homes/hh/asthma.html

✅ EPA Asthma Resources:
https://www.epa.gov/asthma

✅ Dusty the Asthma Goldfish Funbook (for kids):
https://www.epa.gov/asthma/dusty-asthma-goldfish-and-his-asthma-triggers-funbook

✅ Asthma Awareness Month Planning Kit:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-05/asthma-event-planning-kit_508.pdf

✅ Asthma Community Network:
https://www.asthmacommunitynetwork.org/

Let’s take action this week to protect the health of Tennesseans with asthma.