Have Asthma in Illinois? Here’s Why to Avoid Being Outside Friday (6/2)

We're about to enter one of the hottest weekends of the year so far with temperatures expected to be in the mid-90s, which will make our air quality to be unhealthy around the Rockford region

READ MORE: Illinois Weekend Could Be Hottest We've Had This Year

With the hot temperatures and dry conditions, there's going to be an increase in "ground-level ozone"  on Friday (6/2) according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Ground-level ozone is formed when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial sources, react in the presence of sunlight. -Illinois EPA

Because of the poor air quality expected on Friday, the Illinois EPA has issued an Air Quality Alert that will make conditions "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" on June 2.

All necessary precautions should be taken for those who have respiratory or pulmonary disorders and any outdoor activities on Friday should be limited.

Coughing and shortness of breath could be some symptoms for those with respiratory issues during the air quality alert, and the Illinois EPA suggested all residents "keep cool and limit physical activity when air quality is low."

What Can Illinois Residents Do Reduce Air Pollution

• Taking public transit, ridesharing, walking, or biking.
• Consolidating errands if driving.
• Reducing energy demands.
• Avoiding use of gasoline-powered equipment when air quality is elevated.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is constantly changing and the Illinois EPA uses data from "fourteen sectors throughout Illinois."

CLICK HERE to see the latest Air Quality report for Illinois.