Parents and educators are being warned to limit children’s time spent outdoors in parts of southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, as forecasts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show air quality reaching “unhealthy” levels.

Why It Matters

The red-level air quality index (AQI) category—covering values from 151 to 200—means the air is unhealthy for everyone, not just vulnerable populations. According to the EPA, “some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”

Children are especially at risk because they breathe more air relative to their body weight, spend more time outdoors and have lungs that are still developing.

Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Public health officials often recommend limiting time spent outside when AQI levels rise, especially for high-risk demographics.

What To Know

The EPA’s air quality forecast for Thursday shows a concentration of red-level AQI alerts centered on southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Particulate matter, or PM2.5, is of particular concern. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and lung diseases.

School districts and caregivers in the affected zones are encouraged to follow EPA-issued guidelines to reduce children’s exposure. The agency recommends keeping children indoors during recess, rescheduling outdoor athletic activities, and using air filters in homes and classrooms.

Even healthy people may experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation when air quality dips into the red range. Those with asthma are advised to follow their health action plans and keep rescue inhalers readily available. Symptoms should be taken seriously; if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist, medical attention should be sought.

In New Mexico, the poor air quality is “due to a combination of factors,” a spokesperson from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) told Newsweek, “most notably, high winds and a lack of recent rain, which are contributing to blowing dust throughout the region.”

“These conditions are expected to impact much of New Mexico, especially the Southern and Central regions,” the spokesperson said.

Blowing dust is also contributing to unhealthy air quality in Texas, a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) forecast said.

A TCEQ spokesperson previously told Newsweek that air quality alerts are often based on forecasts, which doesn’t necessarily mean the quality is actually poor. Air quality changes frequently based on numerous factors, including wind direction and temperature.

What People Are Saying

A TCEQ forecast said: “Very gusty winds are expected to develop across New Mexico, Northern Mexico, and portions of the western third of Texas. Areas of blowing dust will be likely across the Panhandle, Permian Basin, and far West Texas, but the density and coverage will be largely dependent on the wind direction. The overall daily PM2.5 AQI is forecast to reach the lower to middle of the “Unhealthy” range in parts of the El Paso area, the middle of the “Moderate” range in parts of the Amarillo area, and the lower end of the “Moderate” range in parts of the Big Bend, Lubbock, and Midland-Odessa areas.”

The NMED spokesperson told Newsweek: “The National Weather Service has issued multiple Red Flag Warnings, including for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, where Albuquerque is located. These warnings indicate critical fire weather conditions and reduced air quality due to airborne particulate matter.”

The spokesperson added: “While the federal government manages the Air Quality Index (AQI) and typically issues formal air quality alerts, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has issued a travel advisory for Southern New Mexico tomorrow due to blowing dust and visibility concerns.”

What Happens Next

As air quality conditions evolve with weather patterns, residents are encouraged to check real-time updates on AirNow.gov or through local environmental agencies. Steps like staying indoors, using air purifiers, and wearing N95 masks during outdoor exposure can help reduce health risks.