Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Issues a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Tuesday

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Tuesday for the ‘Maryland suburban DC region.’

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. 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.

Per MDE: “USG conditions expected Tuesday and Wednesday. High pressure across the Southeastern US will help push temperatures well above seasonal norms Tuesday and to near record warmth Wednesday. Additionally, diffuse smoke from numerous fires burning across the Gulf States and Lower Mississippi River Valley has led to a degradation of the regional air mass. Weak winds will help to focus the highest ozone levels along the urban corridor where USG conditions are expected. Moderate to high Moderate ozone levels are forecast elsewhere across the state. The situation will be monitored very closely over the next few days. A frontal system will drop south towards the area Thursday. An increase in clouds along with chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help to keep ozone levels in check. Expect Moderate AQI values to linger around the I-95 corridor with a drop to Good ozone levels elsewhere across the state. For the latest air quality information, please visit our website here.”