Wichita experiencing poor air quality. Why and how long it’s expected to last
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment urged residents in Central and Eastern Kansas Friday to limit outdoor activity due to prescribed burns in the Flint Hills that are causing low air quality.
“Burning within the Flint Hills occurs annually to help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle,” a March 20 KDHE news release reads. “Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas and can be carried long distances.”
As of Friday morning, part of Wichita was experiencing an air quality index of 154, which is considered “unhealthy.” The city sent a news release Friday warning residents of the low air quality.
The conditions are expected to stay through Saturday afternoon, KDHE said, and will likely range from moderate to unhealthy, depending on location of the prescribed burns.
Air quality plummets when particulate matter substances and ozone are released in the atmosphere. Exposure can lead to health problems for children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. In some cases, it can also bother younger, healthy adults, KDHE says.
If you’re experiencing burning eyes, coughing and a runny nose after being outside for an extended period, that is likely a reaction to poor air quality. It can also lead to bronchitis.
Here are some tips for staying healthy, from the KDHE:
- Limit outdoor activity.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run air conditioners with filters.
- Drink water.
KDHE also recommends contacting a health care provider if you are experiencing fatigue, chest pain, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
See Wichita’s weather forecast
The poor air quality may not be the only reason you want to avoid the outdoors Friday and into the weekend. The National Weather Service’s forecast shows a sunny day with a high nearing 89 degrees Friday, and a high of 90 degrees possible Saturday.
The earliest 90-degree day was reported March 19, 1907, when the temperature reached 91 degrees in Wichita.
But these warm March temperatures won’t stay for too long.
Here is the weather forecast for next week, from the National Weather Service:
- Saturday: Sunny with a high near 90 and a low around 60.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. A high temp of around 75 and a low around 44.
- Monday: Mostly sunny day with a high around 64. Mostly cloudy into the evening with a low near 48.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny day with a high around 75. Partly cloudy into the evening with a low around 52.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high around 82 and a low around 60.
