Thunderstorms In Forecast As Air Quality Alert Issued: MD Weather

MARYLAND— A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Friday, June 2, for the Baltimore-Annapolis-Washington, D.C., region as highs in the low-90s and sunny skies boost ozone levels in the atmosphere.

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 are expected to reach 93 degrees in the Baltimore region Friday with sunny skies and a calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 8 mph in the morning, the National Weather Service said.

Lingering smoke from Nova Scotia wildfires, as well as from small wildfires burning over southern New Jersey, will spur ozone production, the Maryland Department of the Environment said. Widespread poor air conditions are expected along the I-95 corridor, with isolated pockets of poor air likely elsewhere across the state.

By Saturday, a cold front will make its say through the state. Increased clouds, along with spotty showers and thunderstorms, will keep ozone levels in check, the MDE said. The greatest risk of elevated fine particulate levels will be on the Eastern Shore.

Here's the Maryland weekend weather forecast:

Friday Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 93. East wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between midnight and 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a chance of showers between 9am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Tips For Coping With Poor Air Quality

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.

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 mass transit, carpool, or work from home to limit driving. Fill up your gas tank during evening hours.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the Maryland Department of the Environment's air quality page.