Texas Residents Urged to Avoid Drive-Thrus Amid Air Quality Alerts
Air quality alerts have been issued across Texas due to elevated ozone levels, prompting officials to declare 'Ozone Action Days' for May 13, 2026. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging residents to limit driving and avoid idling in drive-thru lanes to reduce emissions. High temperatures, intense sunlight, and stagnant air are creating conditions favorable for ground-level ozone formation, particularly in urban areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso. Ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, forms when pollutants from vehicles and industrial activity react with sunlight. Vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions, are at heightened risk of health issues due to poor air quality. 
