May 26, 2026

IDEM Forecasts Air Quality Action Day for Wednesday in Northwest Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in the Northwest Indiana. 

Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following area:

• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.

Warm temperatures, a lingering boundary to the south, and relatively light winds coming off of Lake Michigan are expected to contributed to elevated ozone levels, which are forecast to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range in our Northwest Region.

Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:

• View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
• Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
• Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
• Sign up for air quality alerts.

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.   

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About IDEM: IDEM ( idem.IN.gov ) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.