Charlestown triple-threat

High pollen, high ozone, high fire risk

By Will Collette

The readings should drop back tomorrow as the forecast is for rainy weather from around 4 PM tomorrow through Monday. This is the earliest I can remember seeing readings like this.

The price we pay for the brilliant sunshine, low humidity, and cooling breezes that make today's weather so wonderful are a string of weather related threats.

Large brush fire in West Greenwich

Without rain for the past several days, the threat of brush fires has been high and local firefighters have been called out to put out fires all over South County. Today's conditions are such that an official "Red Flag" warning has been issued which means that you should curb outdoor burning and, smokers, please don't toss your light butts by the wayside.

Pollen.com

Today's pollen level for tree pollen is 11.6 of a possible twelve points. If you plan to be outside a lot and have seasonal allergies, consider re-purposing your COVID mask.

Finally, South County ozone levels are officially at "unhealthy" levels. The warm temperature plus sunshine plus automobile exhaust combine to cause ground-level ozone pollution, dangerous to those with lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, etc. 

Enjoy the weather, but note the public health and safety risks, too.