New Mexico Among States Warned About Bad Air Quality

5 states, including New Mexico, have issued warnings to residents about driving and/or going outside. Could Texas be next?

Texas ... El Paso, anyway ... may be next as we're dealing with some of the same issues that put the land of enchantment among those on a government issued warning.

Air quality is getting really bad and could even be deadly in some situations, for some people.

Government Air Quality Alerts are in effect for New Mexico, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and California. Peeps in those states are being asked not to drive in order to minimize pollutants being released and not to let their vehicles idle.

New Mexico's warning however is because of smoke in the air from the Trout fire in Grant County. Specifically, areas downstream from the Trout fire including including Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway's 35 and 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. Some areas are actually being evacuated.

"Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion," officials warned. "People with respiratory disease such as asthma, should remain indoors." - newsweek.com

The southern edge of Grant County extends almost all the way to the Mexican border, a couple of hours from El Paso, between Deming and Lordsburg. Going north, it covers a big area that encompasses Silver City, Santa Clara and the Gila National Forest.

How Can You Judge Air Quality?

According to forecastweather.gov, you go by visibility. If it's under 5 miles, young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness should stay indoors as much as possible.

If it's under 3 miles, that group of people should stay inside all together.

If it falls to 1 mile, EVERYBODY needs to stay inside and avoid all outdoor activities unless an evacuation is ordered.