Air Quality Advisory Issued for Berrien County June 30
Berrien County faces an Air Quality Advisory June 30 as ozone levels are forecast to hit the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range — here’s what residents should know.
BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for Berrien County in southwestern Michigan, set to take effect June 30, 2026, due to elevated ozone levels expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.
The National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana issued the alert at 1:37 p.m. EDT on June 29, 2026, warning residents that atmospheric conditions Tuesday will be favorable for ground-level ozone formation.
Why Ozone Levels Are Rising
Warm temperatures, abundant sunlight, and southwest winds are forecast to combine with existing pollutants to generate elevated surface-level ozone across west and southwest Michigan, according to the National Weather Service. These conditions create a chemical reaction in the lower atmosphere that can be harmful to breathe.
Berrien County is the only county listed under the current advisory.
Who Is Most at Risk
Health officials are urging residents with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma to avoid strenuous outdoor activities when possible on June 30. Symptoms to watch for include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, and burning sensations in the nose, throat, or eyes, according to the advisory.
The Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups designation means that while the general public is less likely to be affected, people with pre-existing conditions face a heightened risk from prolonged outdoor exposure.
Steps Residents and Businesses Can Take
EGLE and the National Weather Service are urging both individuals and businesses to limit activities that contribute to ozone formation on June 30. Specific actions to avoid include:
- Refueling vehicles or topping off gas tanks when refueling
- Using gasoline-powered lawn equipment
- Using charcoal lighter fluid
Ozone forms when pollutants released by vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources react in sunlight. Reducing emissions on high-ozone days can help limit the severity of the advisory, according to the National Weather Service alert.
Residents in Berrien County are encouraged to monitor local air quality updates through EGLE and the National Weather Service as conditions on June 30 develop.
