Overview

• Ozone levels in nearly all European countries except the Scandinavian Peninsula have reached unusually high concentrations for mid-June, Copernicus data show.
• Cams director Laurence Rouil identifies the recent heatwave as a primary driver of the early-season surge in ground-level ozone.
• Copernicus and Cams models have tracked ozone concentrations exceeding health-relevant thresholds in several regions since June 9.
• Children, older adults and asthma sufferers are urged to limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise during peak ozone periods.
• EU rules cap daily eight-hour ozone averages at 120 µg/m³ no more than 18 times a year and require public alerts when hourly levels exceed 180 µg/m³.