New Hampshire Declares Another Code Orange Air Alert For Saturday Amid Canada Wildfire Smoke

CONCORD, NH — Residents and visitors to the Granite State are being warned to prepare for unhealthy air Saturday, with the state expecting fine particle pollution to reach Code Orange levels statewide.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said concentrations are forecast to become unhealthy for sensitive groups on July 18.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to NH DES. The agency said sensitive individuals include children and older adults, anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, and people who are active outdoors. NH DES advised sensitive individuals to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

The pollution is linked to wildfire smoke from central and western Canada. According to NH DES, wind patterns are transporting smoke plumes from those fires across much of the Northeast and New Hampshire. The agency said the smoke may also create hazy skies, and the smell of smoke may be noticeable during hours when concentrations are higher.

NH DES also warned that even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities. The agency reported that the severity of health effects increases as fine particle concentrations rise. Symptoms of exposure may include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

Conditions are expected to improve on Sunday as wind directions change, according to NHDES. Residents looking for updates on forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire can call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the NHDES air data website. For more information, NHDES said residents can call the agency at 603-271-1370.