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16/04/2003
High temperatures bring rise in ozone levels
The warm weather today may be a blessing for sun-worshippers, but it can also have a negative effect for others, the government has warned today.
Environment officials said today that much of southern Britain is at risk of an "unusually early summer smog episode" over the next couple of days, leading to increased ozone levels for the south - particularly London.
The government said that, as some people can be sensitive to ozone, they may experience problems with their breathing.
Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone and asthma sufferers should use their 'reliever' inhaler.
High ozone levels are likely to persist until Friday evening in London and the south-east, after which the weather is forecast to become cooler and more changeable.
But Air Quality Minister Alun Michael said periods of high pollution were becoming "less frequent".
He said: "Short periods of high pollution are inevitable with variable weather conditions. Fortunately such episodes are becoming less frequent and severe over the longer term due to the large reductions in polluting emissions from vehicles and industry that have been achieved since 1990.
"We can all help reduce the current high levels of air pollution by avoiding making unnecessary short car journeys wherever possible. By walking, cycling or making use of public transport instead, we can all help to improve current air quality."
Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.
(GMcG)
Environment officials said today that much of southern Britain is at risk of an "unusually early summer smog episode" over the next couple of days, leading to increased ozone levels for the south - particularly London.
The government said that, as some people can be sensitive to ozone, they may experience problems with their breathing.
Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone and asthma sufferers should use their 'reliever' inhaler.
High ozone levels are likely to persist until Friday evening in London and the south-east, after which the weather is forecast to become cooler and more changeable.
But Air Quality Minister Alun Michael said periods of high pollution were becoming "less frequent".
He said: "Short periods of high pollution are inevitable with variable weather conditions. Fortunately such episodes are becoming less frequent and severe over the longer term due to the large reductions in polluting emissions from vehicles and industry that have been achieved since 1990.
"We can all help reduce the current high levels of air pollution by avoiding making unnecessary short car journeys wherever possible. By walking, cycling or making use of public transport instead, we can all help to improve current air quality."
Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.
(GMcG)
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23 June 2005
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
04 July 2006
Drivers urged to take care in heatwave conditions
Drivers have been urged to take extra care on the roads as continuing high temperatures continue to affect the UK. The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle.
Drivers urged to take care in heatwave conditions
Drivers have been urged to take extra care on the roads as continuing high temperatures continue to affect the UK. The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle.
09 June 2006
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
29 July 2004
Government makes greenhouse gasses pledge as 'summer smog' hits England
The UK has today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions - on the day that the south east of England was warned to take precautions over the summer's first ozone smog.
Government makes greenhouse gasses pledge as 'summer smog' hits England
The UK has today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions - on the day that the south east of England was warned to take precautions over the summer's first ozone smog.
04 August 2003
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
