Check the Daily Air Quality Forecast Before Going Outside in Harris County

Hot, still, sunny days are the ones to watch in Harris County. When wind is light, ground-level ozone can build up. TCEQ grades the day by color: green is good, yellow is moderate, orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, red is unhealthy, purple is very unhealthy, and maroon is hazardous.

Ozone is often worst from morning into early afternoon. That is also when people head out for runs, sports, or yard work. On orange and red days, people with asthma, older adults, and kids may need to stay inside or keep hard activity short.

TCEQ posts the next day's Houston forecast, so a quick look the night before can shape the morning. Some school districts watch the same forecast when deciding on recess and outdoor practice.