The Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange air quality alert for the local area Tuesday due to diffuse smoke from fires burning across the U.S. amid higher-than-normal temperatures.
A Code Orange air quality alert means that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense.
Due to smoke arriving from several fires in the Gulf states and the Lower Mississippi River Valley and weak winds, air with the highest levels of ozone is expected to concentrate in the suburban area of Montgomery County and Washington, D.C., according to the state environmental department.
Also, high pressure across the southeastern U.S. will increase temperatures “well above seasonal norms” Tuesday and create near-record temperatures on Wednesday, the department said.
Tuesday’s temperature is expected to reach a high of 90 degrees and Wednesday’s temperature may reach 96 degrees. On Thursday, according to the department, an increase in clouds alongside a chance of afternoon rain and thunderstorms will “help keep ozone levels in check.”
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) had its first day of classes Monday. According to outdoor recess temperature considerations on its website, outdoor time should be restricted to 15- to 30-minute increments with frequent hydration when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 84 degrees with 70%+ humidity. Outdoor time should be avoided when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees.
The latest information on air quality can be found here.