A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for the Birmingham metro area for Wednesday, May 1.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management issued the Code Orange alert for both Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Hot temperatures, lower humidity and light winds are expected to help ground-level ozone concentrations rise to levels that could pose problems for those with respiratory issues or children.

The general public is not expected to be affected.

Highs on Wednesday could reach the mid-80s in the Birmingham metro area, as well as much of the rest of Alabama.

ADEM recommends the following actions during an air quality alert day:

* Conserve electricity, set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.

* Limit driving.

* Avoid use of gas-powered lawn equipment.

* Gas up your vehicle after 6 p.m.

* Limit engine idling.

Read more about what to do on air quality alert days at airnow.gov.