Alright, Midland, listen up. Today's one of those days that looks good on paper, but if you're not careful, it could still kick your lungs and joints in the teeth.
- That sweet 21.5°C with clear skies? Yeah, it’s prime running weather. Don't waste it indoors unless you have to.
- Pollen count is finally behaving itself, sitting at a nice low. No sneezing fits sabotaging your tempo run today.
- However, the air quality isn't playing nice. Our AQI is at 80 due to Ozone, which means sensitive folks might feel it. AccuWeather even called today "Poor" for air quality, so if your lungs usually complain, listen to them.
- Don't forget those West Texas winds. There was a Red Flag Warning for critical fire conditions just yesterday, and while the warning might be off, those dry, breezy conditions don't just vanish overnight.
- Construction on our beloved Wildcatter Trail is a real thing. Keep an eye out.
The Rundown for February 26th
Look, I get it. The sun's out, the temperature is glorious, and after the cold snap we had in January, everyone's itching to hit the pavement or the dirt. Today's 21.5°C and clear skies are pretty much perfect for getting those miles in, especially with the pollen count staying low. Feel free to soak up some of that vitamin D.
However, before you lace up and blast out the door, let’s talk air. Your app might say AQI 80, and yeah, that's often "Moderate." But hold your horses. The dominant pollutant is Ozone, and frankly, AccuWeather slapped us with a "Poor" air quality forecast for today, explicitly stating it's unhealthy for sensitive groups. That means if you've got asthma, COPD, or just generally cranky lungs, you need to be aware. That crisp air might not be as clean as it looks, especially during peak afternoon sun when ozone tends to cook.
| Pollutant Category | AQI Range | Impact on Health |
|---|---|---|
| Good | 0-50 | Little to no risk |
| Moderate | 51-100 | Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101-150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
Ozone Alert for Sensitive Lungs: With an AQI of 80 and Ozone as the dominant pollutant, anyone with respiratory issues should proceed with caution. Consider shorter, less intense workouts, especially in the afternoon. If you feel any irritation or difficulty breathing, cut it short. It’s not worth it.
Then there's the wind and what it brings. We just had a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions across the Permian Basin, thanks to those westerly winds and bone-dry fuels. While it's not currently active, those conditions stick around. A little gust and an errant spark are all it takes. Be extra vigilant if you're out on any unpaved routes, especially around areas prone to dry brush. No one wants to be the person who starts a grass fire because they tossed a water bottle that caught the light just wrong (yes, it happens).
Speaking of routes, if your usual stomping ground involves the Wildcatter Trail, listen up. This ambitious project, connecting Midland and Odessa, broke ground last year, and phases 1 and 2 are slated to be "let for construction in early 2026." That means you could hit active work zones, particularly around the Arlington/Deauville Trailhead and near the University of Texas Permian Basin campus along Loop 338. These aren't just minor detours; active construction means heavy machinery, dust, and potential closures. Don't assume your usual path is clear.
Check for Wildcatter Trail Construction: Before heading out on sections of the Wildcatter Trail, especially near the Arlington/Deauville Trailhead or UTPB, check local city updates. Expect some sections to be closed or have active work ongoing, affecting your run or ride.
For now, the temperature is fantastic, and the lack of pollen is a blessing. Just be smart about that air quality if you're prone to lung issues, and be aware of potential construction disruptions on newer trail developments. Pick your route wisely, stay hydrated, and for crying out loud, don't spark a fire.
Data grounded with AccuWeather, TCEQ, and NWS from February 25-26, 2026.