Canadian Wildfire Smoke Brings Dangerous Air Quality to the Mid-Atlantic

Brought to you by Bill Oosterink, Realtor

Air quality continues to deteriorate this morning as a thick plume of smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires settles across the Mid-Atlantic. Many locations are now reporting “Very Unhealthy” (AQI 201-300+) air quality, with localized readings briefly exceeding 300, prompting Code Red and Code Purple Air Quality Alerts across much of the region.

🔴 What do these alerts mean?
• Code Red (AQI 151-200): Air is unhealthy for everyone. Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor activity, and the general public should limit prolonged or strenuous time outside.
• 🟣 Code Purple (AQI 201-300): Air is very unhealthy. Health impacts become more likely for everyone—not just those with asthma or heart/lung conditions. Outdoor activities should be avoided whenever possible, especially exercise or strenuous work.

The smoke is concentrated near the surface today, reducing visibility to as low as 1-2 miles in some areas while creating the hazy, smoky skies many are waking up to. Areas farther north are expected to experience the worst conditions through today.

🌦️ A few showers or thunderstorms may develop this afternoon across the Allegheny Highlands and central Shenandoah Valley, but they will do little to improve the overall smoke situation. A better change begins late tonight into Saturday as winds gradually shift and cleaner air slowly filters into the region.

Bottom Line:
⚠️ Air quality is unhealthy to very unhealthy today.
🏃 Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor activity if possible.
😷 If you must be outside for an extended period, especially if you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or are otherwise sensitive, consider limiting your exposure and wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator.
🌬️ Conditions should gradually improve late tonight and continue improving through Saturday as the smoke plume shifts away.

Stay with JB Weather for the latest information on impacts here in Southern Maryland and across the Mid-Atlantic. You can always access my forecasts and updates here on the website, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. JB Weather is the Mid-Atlantic’s Weather Leader, and I am working around the clock to keep you ahead of any storm!

Brought to you by Bill Oosterink, Realtor. Buying. Selling. Investing. Ready when you’re ready! Check out www.somdDreamHome.com today!