High temperatures and light winds will combine to raise ozone levels in the Birmingham metro area on Wednesday, according to health officials.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Jefferson and Shelby counties for Wednesday.

According to forecasters at Airnow.gov, dry, sinking air near the surface will work to keep pollutants closer to the ground, and ozone levels could reach levels that will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Those groups include children and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

High temperatures on Wednesday are forecast to top out in the low 90s under sunny skies:

Here are some ADEM recommendations for air quality alert days:

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

* Limit driving and combine errands.

* Avoid use of gasoline-power lawn and garden equipment.

* Refuel vehicles after 6 p.m.

* Limit engine idling.

* Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to avoid them when poor air quality is forecast.