Expect more hazy skies Wednesday and Thursday due to increased levels of fine particle pollution from both the wildfires in Canada and fireworks from the past few days.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), this area is in Code Orange, meaning it’s unhealthy to breathe for those in sensitive groups including anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, outdoor workers, children, teenagers and minority populations.
During Wednesday and Thursday, the ground level ozone has been determined to cause the unhealthy air, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments warned.
NOAA, the National Weather Service, only forecasts weather for the next seven days, explained meteorologist Cody Ledbetter. While the fires in Canada are still blazing, how it affects this area “is all up to the winds and if they get any beneficial rain.”
Currently, the area’s winds have been coming from the north, but summer winds often bring air here from the south, he noted.
The Council of Governments advises residents to avoid mowing lawns unless using an electric mower and filling gas tanks after sunset. It also suggests using gas or electric grills rather than charcoal.
COG forecasts Code Orange air quality for sensitive groups for July 4-6 for the D.C. region. Tomorrow, unhealthy air is expected following 4th of July fireworks (fine particle pollution). Wed/Thu, due to ozone pollution. Stay air quality aware: https://t.co/vujQarGehK pic.twitter.com/fJ5xXea4Iz
— COG (@MWCOG) July 3, 2023
