Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pushing air quality to unhealthy levels in Maryland and several other states this week, prompting agencies to issue alerts and urge some residents to limit time outdoors.
An air quality alert is in effect Wednesday for several counties, including Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford, according to the National Weather Service.
Wildfire smoke and high ozone levels are expected to create several days of unhealthy air quality across the state beginning Wednesday, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The agency issued a Code Orange air quality alert ahead of the event, which is expected to last through Friday. The concern stems from large wildfires in southwestern Ontario, combining with above-normal temperatures and elevated ozone pollution.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups, according to the NWS. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly.
The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors, officials said.
Smoke began to spread over parts of Maryland on Tuesday, initially remaining high in the atmosphere and producing milky-white skies. As the smoke moves closer to the ground, it is expected to increase haze and contribute to higher ozone levels, officials said.
Here's a look at the daily air quality forecast:
Air quality alerts for ozone were expected as temperatures climbed toward 100 degrees, particularly along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor. Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke was also expected to reduce visibility and contribute to unhealthy air.
The Maryland Department of the Environment said a larger plume of wildfire smoke could arrive behind a weak cold front. Air quality alerts may be issued for both ozone and fine particle pollution. While scattered thunderstorms could reduce smoke concentrations in some areas, widespread air quality concerns are still anticipated.
Smoke is expected to linger into Friday as hot temperatures continue and winds weaken. Additional air quality alerts are likely, with elevated ozone and fine particle pollution remaining concerns.
The department advised residents, particularly children, older adults and people with heart or lung disease, to monitor air quality forecasts and consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity when conditions deteriorate.
Current air quality forecasts and alerts are available on the Maryland Department of the Environment's website.
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