Particle pollution remains the limiting factor in six of Louisiana’s eight forecast regions Friday, even as ozone falls into the Good category statewide.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality forecast, issued Thursday afternoon, places Friday PM2.5 at Moderate in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport. That is six regions, while Lake Charles and Thibodaux are forecast Good.
Louisiana air quality forecast by region
| Region | Friday ozone | Friday PM2.5 | Higher reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | 46 Good | 56 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Alexandria | 43 Good | 53 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Lake Charles | 45 Good | 50 Good | PM2.5 |
| Lafayette | 46 Good | 53 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Monroe | 44 Good | 53 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| New Orleans | 44 Good | 55 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Shreveport | 46 Good | 56 Moderate | PM2.5 |
| Thibodaux | 44 Good | 53 Moderate | PM2.5 |
The eight official regional rows show Moderate PM2.5 in six regions Friday. Lake Charles and Thibodaux remain in the Good category for both pollutants.
DEQ says stronger easterly wind, more clouds and scattered showers should reduce ozone formation and improve pollutant dispersion Friday and Saturday. Regional carryover still keeps some particle readings in the lower part of the Moderate range.
An AQI from 0 to 50 is Good. A reading from 51 to 100 is Moderate, which DEQ describes as acceptable for the general public, with possible concern for a small number of people unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Anyone with symptoms or a personal health plan should follow medical guidance rather than using a forecast table as a diagnosis. Current conditions can differ from a day-ahead forecast.
Friday’s highest predicted value is 56 for PM2.5 in Baton Rouge and Shreveport. New Orleans follows at 55. Those numbers are near the bottom of the Moderate band, not near the 101 threshold for Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
Saturday improves in several places, but Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport remain in the Moderate range for PM2.5 in the state table. Alexandria, Lafayette, Monroe and Thibodaux sit at 50 or 53 depending on the region, while Lake Charles is forecast at 39.
People planning outdoor work, exercise or school activities can compare the forecast with the current monitor before starting. Smoke, wind and a nearby incident can change conditions faster than a daily regional forecast.
DEQ also cautions that continuous PM2.5 readings have not been quality reviewed or validated and are not directly comparable with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Environmental concerns can be reported through the agency’s listed phone and online channels.
Related regional conditions appear on The Daily Quill’s Science and Environment desk. The next useful check is the live AQI before prolonged outdoor activity, followed by DEQ’s next forecast update.
