Poor air quality predicted for southern Vermont

MONTPELIER, Vt.—Air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels in southern Vermont on Friday.

With the hot humid weather, levels of particulate matter -- pollution particles that can get into lungs -- are expected to rise.

Environmental officials are advising that people -- especially the elderly and those with respiratory ailments -- limit their strenuous outdoor activity.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the poor air quality is forecast for much of New England and could extend into the weekend.