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 Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 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.
Safety Tips for Sensitive Groups:
• Limit prolonged outdoor activity
• Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors during afternoon hours
• Keep rescue inhalers and medications nearby
• Stay hydrated
• Keep windows closed when possible
• Use air conditioning or air purifiers if available
• Older adults, young children, Pregnant Woman and individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions should take extra precautions
