Air Quality Alert For 5 MD Counties With Record Highs Possible

MARYLAND — A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Friday for parts of the Baltimore-DC metropolitan area with near-record high temperatures possible.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issues a "code orange" alert when pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive.

Temperatures may hit the mid-80s in the region Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

"One more very warm to hot day today. An 89-degree record high temperature (logged in 1976) at National Airport could be tied and perhaps topped," the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang predicts. "High temperatures aim for upper 80s to around 90 degrees in most spots, especially away from large bodies of water. D.C. and Baltimore record is 89; Dulles is 88."

Weak surface winds from the southeast will focus the highest ozone concentrations across Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Carroll and Frederick counties, where unsafe conditons for sensitive groups are possible.

"By Saturday, a potent cold front will approach from the west and make its way through the state. Increasing clouds along with afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be enough to clean things out and bring the return to good air quality across the state," said the Maryland Department of the Environment. "Good air quality will persist through the remainder of the weekend given a clean post-frontal air mass and cool temperatures."

On unhealthy air days, authorities suggest these health precautions:

• Children and older adults should reduce outdoor activities.
• Healthy individuals should limit strenuous work or exercise, especially outdoors.
• Individuals with respiratory and heart ailments, emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis should limit their activity level. If breathing becomes difficult, move indoors.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG's website or by downloading a free air quality app from Clean Air Partners.

On unhealthy air days, residents are encouraged to take steps to help reduce pollution:

• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.
• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use transit, carpool, or work from home to limit driving. Fill up your gas tank during evening hours.

Visit the Maryland Department of the Environment for more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles.