The Metropolitan Environmental Commission (CAMe) suspended the ozone air contingency in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area starting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17. This lifts the Double Hoy No Circula that was in effect for two days. The Hoy No Circula program will resume normal operations on Wednesday, February 18.
The atmospheric ozone environmental contingency in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (ZMVM), covering Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex), remained in Phase I on Tuesday, February 17, due to unfavorable weather conditions. A high-pressure system caused temperatures of 28 to 29 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and weak winds, promoting the accumulation of ozone and PM10 and PM2.5 particles. Additionally, a fire in the Bordo de Xochiaca in Nezahualcóyotl increased pollution in eastern areas, such as Texcoco, Ixtapaluca, and several CDMX boroughs, including Gustavo A. Madero and Venustiano Carranza.
Air quality monitoring showed high contaminant levels across much of the area, with only Tultitlán and Tlalnepantla reporting low levels at noon. Authorities implemented measures such as restrictions on non-essential official vehicles, bans on burning waste, and suspension of emission-generating construction works. They advised the public to avoid outdoor activities from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM and to check the AIRE and SALUD Index.
At 6:00 PM, CAMe suspended the contingency, as the high-pressure system shifted toward Jalisco, increasing wind speeds and allowing pollutant dispersion due to incoming humidity and cloud formation in mountainous areas. This lifted extraordinary restrictions, including the Double Hoy No Circula. On Wednesday, February 18, Hoy No Circula will operate normally: vehicles with red stickers, plate endings 3 and 4, and holograms 1 and 2 will not circulate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Vehicles with holograms 0 and 00, as well as electric and hybrid ones, may circulate without restriction. Authorities will continue monitoring air quality.
