The Metropolitan Environmental Commission activated phase 1 of the environmental contingency due to ozone in the Mexico Valley Metropolitan Area on February 15, owing to high pollutant concentrations. This measure will continue into Monday, February 16, with double vehicle restrictions under Doble Hoy No Circula. Authorities recommend precautions to protect public health.
The Metropolitan Environmental Commission (CAMe) reported that on February 15, 2026, at 17:00 hours, maximum ozone concentrations of 158 ppb were recorded at the Ajusco Medio station in Tlalpan, and 157 ppb at the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CCA) in Coyoacán. These levels, combined with dry air mass, clear skies, and weak winds, led to the activation of phase 1 atmospheric environmental contingency due to ozone in the Mexico Valley Metropolitan Area, covering Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
This contingency was reactivated less than 24 hours after the previous one was suspended on February 14 at 20:20 hours. A new anticyclonic system, with temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius, favors ozone formation and accumulation, according to authorities.
For February 16, from 5:00 to 22:00 hours, Doble Hoy No Circula will apply: private vehicles with verification hologram 2 will not circulate; holograms 1 with numeric ending 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, or 9; holograms 0 and 00 with yellow sticker and ending 5 or 6; and those without hologram, following hologram 2 rules. Also restricted is 50% of LP gas delivery units with NON ending, and cargo vehicles from 6:00 to 10:00 hours, except those in the Self-Regulation Program. Affected taxis will circulate only from 10:00 to 22:00 hours.
Exemptions include electric or hybrid vehicles, emergency services, school transport, funeral processions, people with disabilities, perishable goods transport, and motorcycles. Fines for non-compliance range from 20 to 30 UMAs, equivalent to 2,346.20 to 3,519.30 pesos in 2026.
The public should avoid outdoor activities between 13:00 and 19:00 hours, especially children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Recommendations include remote work, online procedures, avoiding solvents and aerosols, and refueling gasoline outside 8:00 to 18:00 hours. Authorities prohibit waste burning, suspend emitting works, and monitor fires, with reporting numbers like CATGEM at 800-696-9696.
Stations with very bad air quality on February 15 include Hospital General in Cuauhtémoc, Pedregal in Tlalpan, and CCA. Bad zones cover Miguel Hidalgo and Gustavo A. Madero in CDMX, and Nezahualcóyotl in Edomex.
