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Sunny weather prompts first smog warning of summer

12 May 2008

Along with the sunseekers the warm, sunny weather in parts of the UK has also brought out the first smog warning of the summer.

While some parts of the UK are experiencing showers and thunder storms, much of England is enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the middle twenties.

With the increasing sunlight, moderate levels of ozone levels have been reached and high levels are predicted throughout the weekend until Monday.

Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on atmospheric substances close to the ground.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and they could notice an effect on their breathing.

A statement from the department advised people with asthma to use their inhaler if they are affected.

It also says people should avoid exercise outdoors in the afternoon to reduce their exposure to ozone and urges people not to make unnecessary, short car journeys.

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