Air Quality Alert Issued for Southeast Texas
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria area for Friday, September 25, 2026. The alert was relayed by the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office on September 24.
According to the alert, atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution across the Houston, Galveston and surrounding areas on Friday.
An Ozone Action Day means residents should take steps to reduce activities that contribute to ozone formation while also limiting exposure when pollution levels are elevated.
What Is Ground-Level Ozone?
Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant that forms when emissions from vehicles and other sources react in sunlight. Unlike the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere, ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory system.
Elevated ozone can be particularly concerning for people with respiratory conditions, children, older adults and people who spend significant time exercising or working outdoors.
Friday Weather and Air Quality Concerns
The National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast calls for hot conditions Friday, with highs generally in the upper 80s to 90s. Drier weather and lower rain chances are expected through the early weekend.
The combination of warm weather and atmospheric conditions favorable for ozone formation can contribute to deteriorating air quality, particularly during the daytime.
Who Should Take Extra Precautions?
People who may be more sensitive to elevated ozone include:
- Children
- Older adults
- People with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- People with heart or lung conditions
- Outdoor workers
- People participating in strenuous outdoor exercise
Even people without known respiratory conditions should pay attention to symptoms when ozone levels are elevated.
Essential Safety Tips
Limit strenuous outdoor activity
If air quality is poor, consider reducing prolonged or intense outdoor exercise during the afternoon.
Plan outdoor activities wisely
When possible, schedule exercise and other outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day, when ozone concentrations may be lower.
Check the AQI
Monitor current air-quality information before spending extended periods outdoors. The NWS alert directs residents to AirNow for current air-quality information.
Reduce driving
Residents can help reduce ozone pollution by:
- Carpooling or sharing rides
- Combining errands
- Walking or bicycling when practical
- Avoiding unnecessary vehicle trips
- Avoiding drive-through lanes when possible
- Keeping vehicles properly maintained
These measures are specifically recommended by TCEQ and the National Weather Service as ways residents can help reduce ozone pollution.
Conserve energy
Reducing unnecessary energy use can also help limit emissions associated with electricity production.
Pay attention to symptoms
Coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath can occur when air pollution affects sensitive individuals. Anyone experiencing serious or worsening breathing difficulty should seek appropriate medical attention.
What Residents Should Know Friday
The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region is expected to experience elevated ozone pollution potential on Friday, September 25. Residents should remain aware of changing air-quality conditions and adjust outdoor plans if pollution levels become elevated.
The alert does not mean everyone must remain indoors. Instead, residents should use current AQI information to determine how much outdoor activity is appropriate, with sensitive individuals taking additional precautions.
Full Description
An Air Quality Alert and Ozone Action Day have been issued for Houston, Galveston, Brazoria and surrounding areas for Friday, September 25, 2026. TCEQ expects atmospheric conditions to be favorable for the development of high ozone pollution levels.
Residents can help protect air quality by carpooling, sharing rides, walking or bicycling when practical, avoiding unnecessary driving and drive-through lanes, conserving energy and keeping vehicles properly tuned.
Sensitive groups should consider limiting prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during periods of elevated ozone. Checking the latest AQI before outdoor activities is recommended.
The alert comes as hot weather continues across Southeast Texas, with Friday temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s and 90s.
Source: National Weather Service Houston/Galveston and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, September 24, 2026.
