The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection expects elevated levels of ozone for the New Haven coastal area through Northeastern Connecticut on Wednesday and for most of the state on Thursday.

The elevated levels increase the likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing problems among children and people with asthma or other respiratory disease, according to a DEEP news release. Peak ozone levels are predicted from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., and DEEP is recommending limited outdoor activity or exercise during these times to minimize health risks.

High pressure off the East Coast on Wednesday and into Thursday will produce sunny skies and a steady southwest wind, bringing air pollution from the Interstate-95 corridor into the state.

Clear and sunny weather will enable additional transported and homegrown air pollutants to mix in the atmosphere and form a secondary pollutant, ground-level ozone, which also will contribute to poor air quality along the I-95 corridor and into southern New England, the news release said.

DEEP recommends conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees, waiting until 8 p.m. to use energy-intensive appliances like washing machines, cutting the grass before noon, driving less by carpooling or using public transportation and telecommuting, if possible.